| masterofmystery | 01-15-2014 04:07 PM |
Harry Melling talks pre-Hogwarts Harry Potter London play, 'King Lear', stage work
Harry Melling, who has gone on to do a great deal of stage work since the completion of the Harry Potter series years ago, recently spoke about the upcoming pre-Hogwarts Harry Potter play J.K. Rowling will be co-producing, set to open sometime in 2014-2015. Harry, who played Dudley Dursley in the saga, commented on the new production, mentioning that he highly doubts he'll take part in the West End play.
Harry also discussed his current role in Shakespeare's King Lear, where he plays the Fool. He will work on that production in New York's BAM this winter; this spring he will star in Peddling at New York's 59E59 Theaters. http://www.snitchseeker.com/gallery/...4186/89009.jpg Quote:
Switching gears entirely, what do you think of this planned Harry Potter stage play ?
Harry Melling: I think it's great. I have no idea how it's going to work, tonally or stylistically, but it will [work] because the narrative is so interesting. I'll be there, definitely. [pause] I probably won't be in it, but I'll definitely be there.
| http://www.snitchseeker.com/gallery/...4186/89005.jpg Quote:
How did this role come about?
Melling: The director [Angus Jackson] saw me in a couple of shows in the UK and then invited me to meet him. Then, there was a second round, with Frank [Langella], and then I met again with Frank, and then it was an offer. It was nice that Angus was familiar with me and my work. It's quite a usual routine to get a job, as opposed to, he saw me in this and said "Yes, I want you!" It was a three-round process.
Tell me about your take on the Fool.
Melling: I've always been fascinated by characters who are extremely dangerous —that are the truth tellers throughout the play. Although they can potentially come across silly, there's a well of truth that he almost throws like daggers towards Lear, to try and steer him back onto a path of reason. Angus already made a choice by casting him young, which is nice because that allows me to get away with things that perhaps an older Fool wouldn't. Most important [I didn't want to] make him into a dancing, juggling, annoying presence on stage.
When the Fool disappears, where does he go?
Melling: That's the big question, isn't it? My interpretation, at the moment, is he goes off to kill himself. My rather tricky job is to make my last line [incorporate] the future of what's going to happen to him — just living in one line.
What is it like working with Frank Langella?
Melling: It's been brilliant. He's a real force, not only on stage, but offstage. How he does it every night, to the degree to which he does, is remarkable.
| Tickets for King Lear can be purchased here. | 