The Noble Pursuit
Ryan Van Horne stars as Noble
Harmsworth in Theatre Arts Guild’s production of Douglas Bowie’s The Noble Pursuit, which begins tonight
at the Pond Playhouse in Halifax. Recently we spoke with Van Horne about what
audiences can expect during the run.
How
long have you been involved in theatre, and in what capacity?
RVH: I
got involved last January when I made a submission to Theatre Arts Guild's
inaugural playwrights' festival. When it was accepted, I was ecstatic, but I
had to turn my brief proposal into a play. It was a challenge, but I thoroughly
enjoyed it. While watching the cast rehearse the play, I became enamoured with
theatre. When I saw my first play performed on stage, I was hooked and knew I
had to write another one.
How
did you get involved with this particular production?
RVH: As
a playwright, I wanted to explore the actor's role because I thought it would
give me a better perspective on the challenges they face when memorizing lines
and rehearsing. I've also harboured secret desires since university – but never
acted on them. When I saw the notice for auditions for The Noble Pursuit,
I thought the play was a good fit for me. I went to the auditions just for the
experience and never thought for a moment that I would be cast in a role. I
think being relaxed helped me perform better and I landed the part.
What
are the challenges of the role?
RVH: I
have to play a 70-year-old man with a full beard and flowing locks. I have to
change my appearance quite a bit and my voice. Changing my voice momentarily is
easy, but doing it all the time and using the same voice consistently is a challenge
that requires tremendous concentration. Also, I have not been on stage since
Grade 8, so this has been a huge learning experience for me. The veterans on
the cast – Terry Coolen, Karen Shewbridge and Brad Morrison – as well as our
director Frank MacLean, have been immensely helpful.
What
are the rewards?
RVH: The
camaraderie that I feel with my fellow cast members and crew is the biggest
reward so far, but I'm looking forward to seeing the audience appreciate this
play. The cast and crew have all worked very hard to bring this witty play to
an Atlantic Canadian stage for the first time. It has also been a treat to
embark on a thespian adventure with fellow newcomer Emily McQuillan – who will
delight you in her role as Abigail Bliss.
What
can audiences expect during the run?
RVH: Lots
of laughs, sizzling repartee, and some thought-provoking satire…Douglas Bowie
wrote a gem of a play. He skewers the pompous literary types while compelling
you to think about integrity, fame, and the self-doubt that plagues many
budding artists.
What
are your thoughts on the state of theatre in Halifax, and Atlantic Canada?
RVH: I
am overwhelmed by the rich theatre scene which I continue to explore. Every
week, I discover a new company, playwright, or actor and I do not have enough
time and money to go see all the plays I want to see. Working on this play
proves to me that there is also incredible talent in our city – at the
community and professional level.
What's
next on your own theatrical agenda?
RVH: My
first play, Department of Common Sense, is preparing for three
productions this spring. I worked with a dramaturge, Bev Brett, to revise the
play for the Cape Breton University Elizabeth Boardmore One-Act Play Festival (March
20-23). In preparation for that, we'll be doing a three-day run at Halifax's
Bus Stop Theatre from March 14-16. Then, in May, we'll be taking the play to
the Liverpool International Theatre Festival. I've also written the first draft
of my second play, The Girl With the Golden Ear, which was read last
fall at DaPoPo Theatre's Live-In. I'm hoping to do a little more research and
take the wonderful feedback I received last fall to finish the play.
The Nobel Pursuit
February 13-March 1, 2014
The Pond Playhouse, Halifax
www.tagtheatre.com
