By BRUCE DENNILL
Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie will be presented at The Baxter Studio in Cape Town from 4 to 29 August. How Now Brown Cow in association with The Market Theatre presents the production in Johannesburg from 17 September to 4 October at the Market Theatre. Neil Coppen directs and Danica De La Rey Jones stars – and answers some pictures about getting ready ahead of a show.
In the lead-up to a new production, how do you prepare:
– Physically: For me I have found that different roles have demanded different preparation. I always try and move with intention, especially in how it relates to a character’s world or their story. A good baseline for me is always cardio and stretching – being able to breathe and access your voice while your heart is racing is important.
– Mentally: Learning the words to understand the world versus learning the words to know the words. Sound also helps me. I create playlists for my characters. I find that when I’m away from my script, it helps me access the character in different ways.
– …and emotionally? No matter how many times I read a script, when a scene moves me, I let it move me. This being said, I have a really good support system around me. I think that has also been important, especially when taking on emotionally demanding roles.
What is the single most influential performance you’ve ever seen – the one that made you feel: “This is what I want to do with my life!”?
I am always moved by this work! I don’t think it was any singular moment. It’s been a buildup of inspiration from the first time I watched Annie and The Sound Of Music, to watching Lorcia Cooper and Kim Engelbrecht on TV.
What is your favourite aspect of the industry – be it specific people, parts of the production process, particular venues/locations or something else?
The people! Their skills. And how many people it actually takes to bring a story to life. I think that is something I hold close to my heart. It is something that I still find so fascinating every time I am blessed to step into a character.