Colin Friels, a renowned figure in Australian theatre, is taking on the formidable role of King Lear in the upcoming production, *The True History of the Life and Death of King Lear & His Three Daughters*. As rehearsals have unfolded over the past six weeks, Friels admits to experiencing a profound sense of “terror” associated with the preparation for this iconic Shakespearean character.
“Rehearsing: there’s nothing good about it,” Friels stated candidly. “I lose weight and feel sick. And you don’t sleep.” Despite these challenges, the actor’s passion for the material and commitment to delivering a powerful performance remain unwavering. Friels expressed his admiration for Shakespeare’s work, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of this particular play.
The Complexity of King Lear
Playing King Lear poses a significant challenge and privilege for Friels. “I’m not big on power, but he is,” he noted, contrasting his own personality with that of the troubled monarch. “He’s a big beast in terms of his psyche. And we’re incredibly dissimilar.” His approach to the role is rooted in the text itself. Friels believes that Shakespeare provides the guidance necessary for each actor through his words.
“Shakespeare tells every actor how to play their role through his words,” Friels explained, underscoring the importance of interpretation and integration of the text. He likens tackling Shakespeare to exploring different styles of music, stating, “And this play is infinitely Led Zeppelin. This is big f—ing Led Zep. This is Zep at their best. It’s just poetry.”
Friels acknowledges the play’s darker themes, describing it as “the most nihilistic of any of his plays.” He highlights that Shakespeare does not offer comforting resolutions, instead presenting a raw depiction of reality. “He says, ‘This is what it is’,” Friels remarked, encapsulating the essence of King Lear’s tragic narrative.
Artistic Vision and Direction
The vision for this production has been a long-held aspiration for Belvoir’s artistic director, Eamon Flack. He reflects on a quote from Antonio Gramsci: “The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” Flack sees this sentiment as a reflection of both contemporary society and the themes within the play.
“This is a play about telling the truth and how liberating and dangerous it is to speak the truth now,” Flack stated. He believes that, like all tragedies, the truth will ultimately prevail, despite the fear and repression that may characterize current times.
For Flack, Friels was the only choice for the role of Lear. “He’s an actor who makes language and speech a visceral theatrical act,” he noted, praising Friels’ dedication to the text and his ability to engage deeply with the material.
As rehearsals continue, Friels acknowledges that this role may mark a significant moment in his career. “It probably will,” he stated when discussing his future in theatre. “I don’t know. There’s not that much for older people nowadays. Certainly not in the theatre.”
He expressed a desire to avoid becoming a caricature of an older actor, saying, “I don’t want to end up being some old bloke who spits and coughs in little bits and comes on as the silly old fart.”
While expressing a preference for other performance spaces, Friels remains committed to making the most of the challenges presented by Belvoir St Theatre’s Upstairs stage. “It’s my least favourite as an actor,” he admitted, citing the difficulties of the space. Yet he finds value in understanding and embracing the environment where he performs.
“I like to stand in the dark theatre when no one’s there,” he revealed. “Every millimetre of that space you can see where it is.” He describes the rare moments on stage when he feels completely immersed in the performance, free from self-consciousness. “There’s a beautiful thing that happens… it’s a fantastic feeling and it’s magic. That is why I do it.”
*The True History of the Life and Death of King Lear & His Three Daughters* will be staged at Belvoir St Theatre from November 20, 2023, to January 4, 2024. This production promises to deliver a profound exploration of Shakespeare’s timeless themes and complex characters.
