Seen.By.Ice.Queen: coming to my senses

As i sat down to the start of the press conference in Singapore's Swiss Hotel, for The Tempest, a fellow reporter/friend, asked me how i would write about this. He was concerned that our take on the project will trivialize Shakespeare's literally work and not do it justice. i think his feelings resonate with a lot of us laymen out there. i was a literature student and did my fair reads of Shakespeare's more popular work but i certainly dare not proclaim myself to be the arty farty Shakespearean-spouting being.

However, i surprised myself with my answer to him. That you know what? Many ordinary folks like ourselves will probably appreciate a very simple perspective of this press conference and show.

So here, with this in mind, i present to you as SeenByIceQueen, the press conference of The Tempest, the second edition of The Bridge Project presented by The Singapore Repertory Theatre.


Stephen Dillane
Role: Jaques/Prospero
How else you may know him: Film 44" Chest and in Nine Lives alongside Holly Hunter
Anecdote from the presscon: He showed up a little later than the rest of the cast, unkemptly put together in a long sleeved shirt and bermudas, face full of overgrown beard. sat poker faced throughout the press conference without as much as a twitch and barely spoke except in direct reply to questions directed at him. quiet men like these intrigue me and makes me wonder if he might just be media-shy or simply cannot be bothered.

Ron Cephas Jones
Role: Charles the Wrestler/Caliban
How else you may know him: TV Shows Law and Order and NYPD Blue
Anecdote from the presscon: Appearing almost stern initially, Ron warmed up the moment the project was being discussed for it's literally and technical engagements. Suggests a media-cynic who wants to stay true to his craft. This actor is also extremely appreciatetive of his co-workers, lauding all behind-the-scene crew in contributing to the success of this project. I'm sure he's a lot more popular with his colleagues than with the media.

Thomas Sadoski
Role: Touchstone/Stephano
How else you may know him: TV Shows Ugly Betty and Law and Order (SVU)
Anecdote from the presscon: Between him and Christian Camargo, they talked 50% of the time during the press conference. Bubbly due to youth (he's only 34) or wanting to be a media baby, it doesn't matter but he certainly brought much laughter to the otherwise serious press conference.

Christian Camargo
Role: Orlando/Ariel
How else you may know him: TV Shows Ugly Betty and Law and Order (SVU)
Anecdote from the presscon: There with his wife, Juliet Rylance, he was pretty much the life and comedy of the press conference with many a wise-cracks. When asked how it was working with his wife on the same project, he playfully groused, "We're with each other ALL the time... which is really great!" and then handed the baton to Juliet with a cheeky, "Darling, your turn." Aww.. Do I hear hearts melting now?

Juliet Rylance
Role: Rosalind/Miranda
How else you may know her: More accomplished in theatre than in films, she's been in several other Shakespear plays like The Winter's Tale and Romeo and Juliet
Anecdote from the presscon: The only of the female cast that appeared at the press con, this British lass exude an easy natural beauty that shouts Hollywood sweetheart. It's nice to know that there's a serious and dedicated actor in a pretty package like that.

Quotes from the press con and some reasons why you should be catching The Tempest as directed by Sam Mendes:

• "Film is a visual art and theatre is a literary art... Sam Mendes is able to sit in the middle..." - Thomas Sadoski
  
• "Sam Mendes directs in a very physical style... he is physically abusive... a psychological terror.. but he's just a nice guy to hang around." - jokes Thomas Sadoski when asked his opinion on Sam Mendes.
  
• "... we had one moment..." - Christian Camargo when quizzed on working with real life wife, Juliet Rylance, on the set of The Tempest
  
• "Travelling with Shakespeare... different archetypes and many different angles." - Juliet Rylance discusses the dynamics of performing the same play in different cities.
  

Whether or not we appreciate it, we know the literally value and engagement that will come forth with a Shakespearean play. But what else will I look out for in the play if I were you?

• magic and sorcery (the fascinating theme of which The Tempest is initiated by, in my humble opinion)
  
• costumes, make up, effects (after all, the crew tours with the actors, don't you want to know what is so special about them?)
• the accents (this production is committed to having an equal share of American and British actors, put yourself to the test and see if you are able to identify who's from where)

And that's all folks, I leave you with the trailer and ticketing details. Let me know your thoughts if you catch the play!


Ticket booking and details can be found here >>