By: Pepa Wolfe
[Photo credit: Jonathon Oxlade]
Life Music Media invites you to
Would you sell your soul for youth, fame, power and love? Michael Gow’s adaptation of the classic tale of Dr. Faustus, the man who sold his soul to the devil, is currently conjuring praise as it plays Brisbane Powerhouse. Presented by the Queensland Theatre Company, together with Bell Shakespeare, the twisted journey is imagined through a mix of live action, video and music – from German arias to death metal, and brought to torturous life by a wonderful cast.
Playing Lucifer, among other characters, is Jason Klarwein, whose ties with QTC span from his selection as an Emerging Artist in 2002 to his current role as an Associate Artist. He kindly puts aside the Donnie Darko-style demonic mask to talk to Life Music Media.
Tell us a bit about Faustus and your role as Lucifer, among others.
Faustus is a very old myth. An old scholar sells his soul to the devil for youth, fame, power, love, lust etc. For 24 years he has an awesome party. But the comedown is absolute hell!
How would you describe Michael Gow’s reinvention of the Dr. Faustus tale?
Think of an infernal hell machine operated by 4 naughty demons to trap 1 ambitious, lustful, vain and proud man called Faustus. Mix in some German Lieder, retro A/V, a schoolgirl, the seven deadly sins, some Donnie Darko-like rabbit masks and a wobbly mannequin of Helen of Troy.
What is it like working with John Bell?
I love working with really experienced actors. I like watching their process. My favourite artists are those who share ideas and skills. John is one of these.
A touring production which will soon head to the Sydney Opera House, tell us about the current venue at Brisbane Powerhouse?
In my opinion the Powerhouse is one of the best art venues in Australia. It melds all forms, it has an open design with an awesome view and it’s a great place to get a drink.
:: What is your favourite play? ::
At the moment it is Bengal Tiger at the Bagdad Zoo by Rajiv Joseph
:: Name a character that you’d really love to play ::
Hal in Henry the Fourth by William Shakespeare
:: What is the most memorable production or performance you have seen?
Something that really inspired you. ::
Being Harold Pinter by the Belarus Free Theatre
:: Favourite recording artist? ::
Nick Cave
:: Favourite album? ::
anything by Radiohead/Rage Against the Machine/Led Zeppelin
:: Favourite food? ::
Laksa
:: Favourite drink? ::
Soda water
:: Favourite place? ::
In the rainforest beside a waterfall in Far North Queensland
:: Favourite season? ::
Spring
:: Recommend a book ::
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
:: Recommend a film ::
Dead Man by Jim Jarmusch
:: Recommend a website ::
www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com
:: Words of wisdom ::
“Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you’ve been to college.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Faustus plays in Brisbane (Brisbane Powerhouse) until Saturday 25 June 2011, before heading south to play at the Sydney Opera House.
Note: 23 June is a Night with the Actors. Following the performance the cast will return for a Q & A with the audience.
By: Pepa Wolfe
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