The actress spoke to Love London Love Culture about her latest role in Vincent River, playing at the Park Theatre from the 20th March…
Hi Louise thank you so much for talking to Love London Love Culture. Could you tell me a bit more about what Vincent River is about? How we can or cannot communicate over grief and desire. Vincent River starts with a woman inviting her stalker into her flat. To tell you anymore would be to hand out too many spoilers. It is a dangerous and evocative piece of writing. Beautifully written in poetic rhythm with a dark underbelly. Tender and brutal, heartbreaking and funny. An actor’s dream really, addressing the prejudices we all have a greater or lesser extent.
What was the main reason that you wanted to become involved with this production? I believe we should leave the theatre (as an audience member) slightly altered from how we entered it. We won’t be doing our jobs properly if that isn’t true in this case.
Could you tell me a bit more about your character and how her story unfolds? Anita is a tough and feisty eastender, one of life’s survivors, but she is at breaking point with her most recent tragedy, emotionally naked and fighting to make sense of her life post trauma.
What would you say is the core message or point at the heart of Vincent River? That tolerance of something ‘other’ needs to be addressed, that education is fundamental to well being in the Western World and that secrets in a family lead to devastating emotional trauma.
What did you first think when you read the play? I couldn’t put it down – always a good sign. It took my breath away.
How are preparations for the production coming along? You ask me at a time when I think I should hand my Equity card in, however after 46 years of performance I know that the most difficult of plays to rehearse, the ones you eat, sleep and breath, are always the most rewarding and the most affecting.
What do you think will possibly affect audiences the most about Vincent River? This is a hard question and of course the audience always remains a mystery until the actual night. But I think the audience will experience a rollercoaster of emotions. This play contains laughter and tears, tenderness and brutality. The writing uses every colour on the palate.
If people are coming along to see the production – what can they expect? To leave the theatre moved, to have their thoughts provoked, to have a debate opened, to (perhaps) observe others with a little more compassion.
Vincent River plays at the Park Theatre from the 20th March until the 14th April. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/vincent-river