Here’s something that’s on the circuit right now at “The Artscape” in Cape Town and promises to give you a great night of entertainment. Jeremeo Le Cordeur brings together a group of actors who present on stage a tale of what is:
“A love story, more or less”…
I go behind-the-scenes with some of the cast of “February 14th” and ask ten simple questions:
1. Why did you choose to do February 14th?
2. What is your role in the play?
3. How far from your character in reality is your character in the show?
4. What has been the biggest challenge for you in this role?
5. What would you say is the overriding message of the show?
6. How long did it take you to rehearse?
7. Do you believe in true love?
8. What was your last theatre role?
9. What’s in the pipeline for you?
10. Where can we find you if we fall in love?
Here’s what they had to say:
De-Wet Nagel as “Andrew”
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Luke Tyler as “Daniel”
I’d been looking to do some theatre for a while, so when Jeremeo approached me I jumped at the opportunity – I’d heard a lot of great things about his previous shows. There are also a lot of really talented actors in the show so it is a privilege to be able to share the stage with them. I play “Daniel” who is an executive assistant trying hard to make his way up the corporate ladder. In terms of how far the character is from me in reality… well, we’re pretty different, but I can relate to his passion. I’d like to think that I’m as smart as he is, but I think he’d win at chess if we every had to play! Haha! The biggest challenge for me has been understanding the duality of Daniel’s mind… he tends to be a very analytic – ‘black and white’ sort of guy – but struggles with a part of him that is impulsive and tends to land him in a lot of grey areas. To me, the overriding message of the show is to appreciate the love you have and to make every day Valentines Day. Because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is never guaranteed. This being a series of vignettes, every group’s rehearsal times varied but for me it was probably about two months that I took to rehearse.
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You can get in touch with me on Twitter at: @luketyler_
Clayton Evertson as “Wayne”
I chose to do this play because I saw it as an opportunity to showcase love in a non-stereotypical way. I play an amateur boxer, called “Wayne”. Wayne is my extreme. My biggest challenge has been understanding Wayne’s thought processes with regards to him overcoming his obstacles and his psychological state of mind. For me the overriding message of this show is that love can be good, bad and unfortunate. I’ve been rehearsing since November 2012. Do I believe in finding true love? Definitely. Theatre saw me last when I played “Judas” in a play written by Peter Krummeck called Judas, betrayer or betrayed? In the pipeline for me right now is my one man play, Forgive the Devil, written by myself and directed by Abduragmaan Adams. It will premiere at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown later this year.
You can find me on Facebook HERE.
Richard Lothian as “Owen”
Being a romantic at heart I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the theme of love. I feel we all have our own version of what love is and I’m excited by the challenge of putting such an individual and universal theme onto stage. Also, I wanted the opportunity to share the stage with so many talented actors. I play “Owen”, an IT guy who is the definition of a hopeless romantic; naïve, innocent and ideological! My character and I share certain traits. If anything, I would say Owen is a younger, more naïve version of me. I am slightly more cynical whereas Owen is hopeful to a fault. Because we have such a big cast, the biggest challenge has been to get all of us into a room together to rehearse. For me the overriding message of the show is that love, whether fleeting or eternal, will shape you as a person. I’ve been rehearsing for about a month. I absolutely agree in finding true love in today’s world, but I think your chances of finding true love are directly affected by how much love you are willing to give. Before February 14th I was involved in a two-hander comedy called Cooked which debut at The Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2012. After Febuary 14th, I’m involved in a production called An Absolute Turkey at Theatre On The Bay directed by Chris Weare, which also tackles the idea of love.
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And On Twitter at: @RichardLothian
Director Jeremeo Le Cordeur as “Kyle”
Why not do a show focusing on love and all it’s tribulations? It’s never been done on stage. I’m writing, directing, producing and acting. I’m very much like the character “Kyle” in the show. He represents that naive optimism that all young people have. The biggest challenge for me has been the vulnerability. I’m so used to playing strong characters. This is a first for me. For me, the overriding message of the show is to appreciate the love you have and make sure it’s the love you want and deserve. I’ve been rehearsing since November. I do believe in love in today’s world, and that it hits you when you least expect. My last theatre role was when I played “Neil” in Risk. In the pipeline for me at the moment is still juggling doing ZAnews and then prepping for the Grahamstown Festival. Also, I may have another show up my sleeve!
Find the show on our Facebook page HERE.
Find us on Twitter at: @February_14th
Ambrose Uren as “Justin”
I chose to do February 14th because I love the theme of the play and the character is fun to play as well. I play “Justin” – a delivery boy who is single and looking to hook up with someone on Valentines Day. The difference between myself and Justin is that he is way more assertive and confident with ladies! He’s cheeky, has no inhibitions and he’s a smooth talker. The biggest challenge for me in this role was getting that confidence to just walk up to a lady and say what’s on your mind. Justin does that with ease. For me, the message of the show is that love is not just for Valentines Day but for every other day as well. I’ve been rehearsing for three months. YES I do believe in true love 🙂 My last theatre role was in a dance production called This Little Light Of Mine. In the pipeline for me are some stand-up comedy gigs and I’m writing a show as well.