Based upon the cult film, adapted for the stage by Radha Bharadwaj from her own screenplay, "Closet Land" is a tense psychological thriller set in a darkly dystopian future world - and concerns the plight of a writer arrested under suspicion of being a political subversive. It will be staged for the first time in Australia at The Bakehouse Theatre, Adelaide from the 27th to the 30th of November. This production will be directed by Olivia Jane Parker, and stars Melissa Rayner and Benjamin Orchard. For more information, please visit http://www.pozible.com/project/18352. I am very excited to visit Adelaide in November to see the production! (BTW, I am Claire Jean)
12:08
Claire Jean
- What I wanted to do today was
just gain a better understanding about the story of Closet Land, its themes,
the success of its adaptations, and of course you as a director. So Olivia, how
did you come to direct such a controversial play? And were you familiar with
the film beforehand?
12:11
Olivia
Jane Parker
Well, it all started when I saw the
film, I'd say at least 6 months ago. It was extremely thought provoking, and
actually overtook my daily life for a good two months or so. I would tell
friends that this was ultimately the kind of work I'd longed to be a part of.
From there I began to write my own short-film based on the idea and themes
presented in 'Closet Land'. I then searched the internet for Radha Bharadwaj's
interviews, and found that it had been turned in to a stage play. I wrote to
what I thought was her Facebook page and found Benjamin Orchard.... the rest is
history.
12:12
Benjamin
Orchard
If I may interject...
12:12
Olivia
Jane Parker
Go for it
12:14
Claire
Jean
Sure
12:16
Benjamin
Orchard
I received a very touching email
from Olivia, addressed to Radha Bharadwaj, in which she told me how much she
adored the film and liked the concept - at the time I was raising funds for the
stage production through Crowdfunding platform, Pozible. I had already
approached one director, a talented lady by the name of Alison Kershaw, who in
the end had to bow out due to pressing personal reasons. I looked on Olivia's
Facebook page and saw that she was an actress interested in directing and asked
if we could meet to discuss her coming on board this project. I was very
impressed by her enthusiasm, her knowledge of the source material and some of
her "outside the square" ideas about staging "Closet Land",
so I asked her if she would do me the honour of directing it.
12:17
Claire
Jean
I remember you telling me about
this.
12:18
Benjamin
Orchard
Yes, well your readers don't know
these things, Claire. LOL
12:18
Olivia
Jane Parker
I felt that this was my project and
a lot of my ideas coincided with Benjamin's thoughts, so I knew this was THE
play to direct.
Or me for that matter
12:18
Claire
Jean
Olivia, as an actress was this your
first project?
*First directing project
12:20
Olivia
Jane Parker
As a director it is my first
project, my directorial debut... I have a large singing background, but also
have worked as an employed actress from the age of 18, so about seven years
now. Ranging from short-film, theatre productions, vocal animation for
animations, extra work etc.
12:21
Claire
Jean
That's great! It seems like you
were ready to progress in your career.
Ben, how has this changed your
acting career? Do you consider it a leap forward to bigger projects?
12:23
Olivia
Jane Parker
Well I took some time-out from the
business, as my Nan, a wonderful lady; Lana Orr was sick and passed about a
year and a half ago. I really didn't feel inspired or creative for that period
of time, as she was/is my role model to this day. I now feel that this is a
launching pad, I'm ready and extremely motivated. My passion is back.
12:24
Olivia
Jane Parker
This is the job that brought all
that back, and to an extent meeting Benjamin also.
12:24
Claire
Jean
That's great. A wonderful way to
establish a connection.
12:25
Olivia
Jane Parker
Agreed.
12:25
Claire
Jean
Ben, how has 'Closet Land' changed
your acting career? Do you consider it a leap forward to bigger projects?
12:28
Benjamin
Orchard
I am an amateur. I have no formal
training as an actor, and my experience has been entirely in amateur
productions... my biggest roles being the title character in Marlowe's
"Doctor Faustus", Ford Prefect in "Hitch Hiker's Guide To The
Galaxy", a fundamentalist preacher in "Obernewtyn", a closeted
homosexual in "Speaking In Thongs" and a nerdy mystery novelist in
"A Party To Murder"... I've also written reviews that have been
published in the Adelaide Theatre Guide, but this has also been an unpaid
position..... I do consider the part of The Interrogator to be the most
challenging role I have ever played, and if it did lead to more lead roles in
the future then that would be great. But I did not take this project on
thinking of boosting my profile. What I really wanted was for this story (which
is one of my favourites and has moved me deeply like no other) to have a new
lease of life, and to come alive for Australian theatregoing audiences. This
will be the first time it has been staged in Australia. That in itself I think
is exciting enough... I'm trying to keep my mind on doing the best I can in
service of this project, rather than the future of my acting career. I guess
I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, when the final curtain has fallen on
the closing night of "Closet Land".
12:30
Benjamin
Orchard
I hope that doesn't sound
pretentious, but until you mentioned it, I never actually thought about
"Closet Land" in the context of my future acting career. How
disorganised of me, LOL!
12:31
Olivia
Jane Parker
I have to say I've been the same,
but I do feel this will have legs and serve us later on in numerous ways, not
just progressing our careers. Friendships born, confidence built and so on.
12:33
Claire
Jean
Ben - Not at all. I know how
passionate you are about 'Closet Land' and seeing it performed once again.
Olivia - of course. As it is such a controversial topic, it takes a certain
type of actor to be able to perform such a play. And the continued support of
your peers can be such a help to reaching new milestones.
12:34
Olivia
Jane Parker
Definitely
12:34
Claire
Jean
- To Ben and Olivia, why did you
decide to get into theatre in the first place? Was there a certain person or
play?
12:37
Olivia
Jane Parker
Since the age of dot, you know I
was drawn to the theatrics of life. I was in a production of 'Grease' at the
age of four, which is the play that seems to keep coming back to me...
unfortunately. I would have to say my Nan's influence was what created my love
for theatre, watching old MGM movies. However, I would say it was my love of
Tina Arena that probably took over; I loved her music and initially had
aspirations to be a solo artist as she is to this day.
12:39
Claire
Jean
It seems like you know what you
wanted from a very young age, which would have been very helpful when searching
for career direction as you grew older. And family influences are always the
best, as they can give you personal advice and help when the need arises.
12:39
Benjamin
Orchard
Well, I think there's a part of me
that remains that little boy who enjoyed dressing up and playing "let's
pretend" and just never grew out of it. Plus, I think I've been fascinated
by theatre from a very early age, I can trace it back to seeing a 90s TV
miniseries of "The Phantom Of The Opera" starring Charles Dance at
aged 8 - I think seeing that miniseries at such a young impressionable age, it
presented the theatre as being this awesome, magical fairy-tale kingdom where
everyone could come together and lose themselves in another world, escape their
everyday lives, for the two or whatever hours of traffic onstage... a part of
me still feels that way when I step into a theatre, as either an audience
member or a participant onstage.
12:41
Olivia
Jane Parker
I feel that way, I also felt that
when I was on stage I was the best version of myself, and that people really
saw me for who I am whilst I'm up there, which is bizarre if you're playing the
part of somebody else. hahaha
12:42
Claire
Jean
I think that is why I am so in love
with books. To become someone, even just for a little while, is the best form
of escapism. Theatre must be, for you both, such an amazing way to transform
yourself into another person’s life, and literally step into their shoes.
12:42
Olivia
Jane Parker
Yeah, and I find I learn something
new about myself with every role I take, so I grow as a person because of that.
12:42
Claire
Jean
Exactly
12:43
Benjamin
Orchard
Yes it is, I'm a bookworm as well
as a theatre buff, and I don't think I can get through a day without reading
something.
12:43
Claire
Jean
- To Ben and Olivia, were you
surprised by the success of the project?
12:45
Benjamin
Orchard
Well, it's not a success yet - I'll
feel confident calling it a "success" when it is before an audience
and they applaud with appreciation... I think we still have a long way to go
yet. I was surprised to find such a dedicated team to help bring this about,
and in the way I did (talk about freak coincidences!) I was surprised (and
relieved) that Radha Bharadwaj has been so supportive of this project - keeping
in touch with us over social media to provide encouragement and advice every
step of the way.
12:45
Olivia
Jane Parker
Yes, everything has come together
in such a surreal kind of way. Everyone I have approached to be a part of the
project has said yes, and considering I'm a new director, the production
company is new and our budget it's been quite incredible. I still pinch myself,
and feel incredibly grateful to be a part of this.
12:46
Benjamin
Orchard
Yeah, what Olivia just said, that
goes for me too.
12:46
Olivia
Jane Parker
That has absolutely blown me away;
she has been incredibly helpful and has been approached about all aspects of
the play. PINCH MYSELF EVERY TIME!
12:47
Claire
Jean
Well I think it's a great way to
introduce new audiences to the story.
12:47
Olivia
Jane Parker
Plugging @radhabharadwaj
12:48
Benjamin
Orchard
I'd just like to say, there are
many negative stereotypes associated with social media, I'd like to think this
project serves as an example of the positive impact it can also have.
12:48
Olivia
Jane Parker
Here, here!
12:50
Claire
Jean
- Now Ben, considering these
negative stereotypes, what was your main motivation for seeing a new adaptation
of Closet Land on stage? To change people's opinion of the original adaptation?
Obviously you have personal reasons, but is there anything else? Were you wary
of how people would react to a new adaptation?
12:59
Benjamin
Orchard
The original film was a commercial
failure and to my knowledge is not available to buy on DVD outside of Spain.
I'm sure if you approached some random stranger on the street and asked them
what they thought of the film, they'd say they've never heard of it. The
theatrical adaptation has never been staged in Australia before... so I'm sure
that for most people coming to see this show, this will be their
"first" taste of "Closet Land" and they won't be comparing
it to anything.... in a way, that's very liberating and takes some pressure off
(Alan Rickman is certainly a hard act to follow!!!!).... but in a way it also
puts pressure on us to try that extra bit harder to win them over and get
people to see it - we can't rely on a famous "brand name" to pull in
crowds like with a more famous play. There were many reasons I felt that this
story was worth revisiting. In many ways, it's themes of political torture,
censorship of the arts and child abuse are still relevant today - and as prevalent
today as when the story was first written. But I did not want to revisit it
simply because I felt the play had an important message that I wanted to
preach.... I feel, more than anything else, "Closet Land" remains a
good story. A great story. Look beyond any "message" and you'll see
it is a tense and suspenseful psychological thriller with some striking twists
and turns. It is also a poignant drama about the awakening of an individual's
conscience. I feel that is what I wanted to bring to Adelaide theatregoers...
too often, I think the original film has been dismissed as being simply "a
message movie". But it is so much more than that, and if I want to change
any views, then I want to change that stereotype about "Closet Land"
and see people appreciate its beauty on a storytelling level.
13:01
Olivia
Jane Parker
To get more people to see the
play/the film or both is what we hope to achieve... and in terms of promotional
material 'Revenge' - Madeleine Stowe, is a godsend as people are more open to
the material knowing these actors (Stowe and Rickman) are attached to the
original.
13:03
Claire
Jean
That is an extremely accurate way
to put it. Before you mentioned your intentions to revitalise the play, Ben, I
have never heard of it, and I am sure I probably would not have watched it at
all. I think also it had poor promotion at the time, and now with the new play,
I am sure many people will reacquaint themselves with the story, or will be
learning about it for the first time. Olivia - I had not realised Madeleine
Stowe was in Revenge until Ben pointed it out, and I think she is a hidden
talent that many people often forget about.
13:05
Olivia
Jane Parker
Well she was the reason I first
watched the film, I was so moved by her in a scene of 'Revenge' that I was
eager to see her other work.
13:06
Benjamin
Orchard
No argument from me there, I think
I've been in love with her since I first saw "Last of the Mohicans",
and it was her presence that made me watch the film in the first place - back
in the days of VHS, in the year 2001, when I was a struggling uni student.
13:06
Olivia
Jane Parker
Well there you go...
13:06
Claire
Jean
She is obviously an actress with
many talents that need to be more widely celebrated.
13:07
Benjamin
Orchard
"Closet Land" I meant -
her presence made me watch that film.
13:07
Claire
Jean
- Radha Bharadwaj, who originally
conceived of “Closet Land” as a film, and wrote it as a screenplay said “What
my best viewers have also understood is that my film, despite being about
torture, also deals with the exhilaration of freedom and the power of human
imagination—because my film is not only about torture.” Ben, how does this
adaptation reflect this? And Olivia, do you think it explores these themes in
any different ways than the film did?
13:09
Claire
Jean
She is quite a striking actress!
13:13
Benjamin
Orchard
Well, that is kind of what I was
trying to say above. I think a major theme of "Closet Land" is the
power of imagination to provide comfort in times of great hardship, and how
this can become a psychologically harmful crutch as well, if taken too far....
it also asks the question of "how far are you willing to go for your
principles". And as I said, I think it is a poignant personal drama.... I
think our production will reflect this by giving equal weight to the play's
more personal dimension, as well as its political one. I certainly have no
intention of "phoning in" the scenes where the characters are talking
about more personal topics; I want to play them with the same level of
conviction as the more political discussions in the play. I am sure that my
co-star, Melissa Rayner, would say much the same thing applies to her approach
to the character. This thing, giving the personal as well as the political
dimension of the story a strong emphasis, was one of the earliest things that
Olivia and I discussed and agreed upon.
13:13
Olivia
Jane Parker
Well, I'm quite imaginative, I see
the world in a very imaginative way, so this story was uplifting to me because
it deeply explored the way the Author uses her imagination. 'Alice in
Wonderland' is also referenced throughout the piece, so that was my cue to go
down a more creative path than that of the film; I do take a few queues from
the script to illustrate this. Also with the use of my hired photographer Lucie
J Bauer, artist Heather Mill, and cinematographer Daniel Vink and crew, it has
made it possible to do so for a contemporary audience. In terms of the torture,
it is all implied, which also means that your imagination (as an audience
member) is put in overdrive, you conclude what is happening, you create your
own opinion, which is what I absolutely love about this story. Also it being
performed on stage it is a real 3D experience, my actors are there in front of
you, pulling you in to the scenario.
13:14
Benjamin
Orchard
You said it better than me, Olivia!
13:15
Olivia
Jane Parker
I read yours and felt you wrote
more articulately than I
13:16
Claire
Jean
I think imagination is one of the
most effective ways to convey certain themes. Terror and violence can be
implied in so many different ways that sometimes it doesn't have to be shown,
but merely implied.
13:16
Benjamin
Orchard
In any case, Claire, to do all of
this stuff for real onstage would just be insane!!!
13:17
Claire
Jean
Of course. I think that would ruin
the aspect of the show anyway. It would take away the imaginative side of the
story. And what is the point of acting out every single thing anyway without
allowing the audience to imagine things for themselves?
13:17
Olivia
Jane Parker
If it were done 'for real', I
probably would not watch it, nor would I have such a respect for it.
13:18
Claire
Jean
I think sometimes hinting at
violence is better because it lets each audience member visualise a different
scene, making it more personal for everyone.
13:19
Claire
Jean
Similar to my previous question, -
In the play, as the drama plays out between the interrogator and his captive,
there are many questions that emerge about violence and personal abuse. This is
an analysis of torture on a fundamental level, and it can be profoundly
unsettling for viewers. Ben and Olivia, how has this version managed to capture
the nature and emotion of the story differently from the original movie?
13:23
Benjamin
Orchard
I think that simply having it
unfold live in front of you changes the dramatic dynamic enormously, I am sure
that many sequences will come across as more bracingly immediate to the
audience simply because of the essential difference between live theatre and
film.... the two scripts are very similar, but I do think the stage version
drops a few more subtle hints as to the characters' background, and a couple of
scenes do unfold slightly differently, making it more clear to the audience
just how limited The Author's options are in terms of standing up to The
Interrogator. I don't think I can say much more than that without spoiling
pivotal plot points. Over to you, Olivia.
13:24
Olivia
Jane Parker
I think our approach to the
material, being able to talk to Radha Bharadwaj through email and social media;
I've been able to ask her questions which have informed the material and our
approach. With my actors, both Mel Rayner and Benjamin Orchard, I challenge
them to juxtapose their positions for reasons that I know, which I think gives
them a broader spectrum than that of the film. Once again being a live
platform, a 3D medium we are right there in front of you (the audience),
playing out the scenario, therefore you are brought in to the stories
environment. The nature of the play becomes your reality for that time.
13:25
Olivia
Jane Parker
Yes, good job Ben. Hush, hush :0
13:26
Claire
Jean
I think that by being a stage play,
it would become more intimately personal anyway, since you are watching the
action unfold right in front of your eyes, as opposed to a film where
everything is pre-conceived.
13:27
Olivia
Jane Parker
Agreed.
13:27
Benjamin
Orchard
Yup.
13:28
Claire
Jean
Olivia, are you confident that
Melanie and Ben have done the original film justice? How convincingly were they
as the innocent author and demanding interrogator? Were they similar to the
original movie, or did they put their own spin on the characters?
13:28
Benjamin
Orchard
That's Melissa, by the way.
13:29
Claire
Jean
Sorry, Melissa.
13:33
Olivia
Jane Parker
Melissa We are doing our version,
so they have Australian characteristics and Australian accents, which is fine
by Bharadwaj as it is written as taking place "in an unspecified location
at an unspecified time". OMG, I've hit the jackpot with these two. They
are both mature in terms of their approach to the material, they look fantastic
together, and their respect for one another is much needed. Melissa has a
vulnerable quality, and an innate sense of where she is in terms of the natural
progression of the play, which makes her perfect for this part. Benjamin on the
other hand can be incredibly gentle and kind-natured, as he is in his daily
life, but then there is this harshness that he can bring to the surface, which
is incredibly profound considering how wonderfully kind he himself is. Put it
this way, I wouldn't do it with another cast; I just really love these two
together.
13:35
Benjamin
Orchard
Radha said something on her
official website about the character of The Interrogator:
"Evil does not come wearing
horns and a tail, nor does it announce itself with flamboyant bombast and
grandiose posturing. All too often, evil comes in a deceptively human
package—it is quiet and inscrutable, complete with a tenderness and warmth that
seem real."
I feel that remark has been the
touchstone of my performance and the key to the way I want to play him.
13:36
Olivia
Jane Parker
I would say that is exactly what we
are aiming for.
13:38
Claire
Jean
It is strange thinking of Ben as
some sadistic torturer, since that is not of his nature. And that quote is
quite correct. Often evil is found in the most unassuming of places. What came
to mind is the scheming mother in 'Jessica' by Bryce Courtney. All smiles and
high society, and yet terrible and evil within. I think many people have to
remember about the Interrogator is that he is just that - an interrogator - and
no one knows much else about him.
13:38
Claire
Jean
He may be paid to assume such a
hostile personality, we cannot know.
13:39
Benjamin
Orchard
Early in our discussions I said to
Olivia that I felt simply imitating Alan Rickman was a road to nowhere, and I
was so relieved she agreed with me. I think his voice and mannerisms are so
uniquely his own that any attempt to impersonate him would just come across as
caricature. Interestingly, he wasn't even Radha's first choice for the part, on
her website she said that she had originally considered Peter O'Toole, Anthony
Hopkins and Ian Holm before settling on AR.... so I just thought of playing the
character as I saw him in the script, under the guidance of Radha and Olivia,
whose judgement I trust absolutely.
13:39
Olivia
Jane Parker
That's another great thing about
the character, that Benjamin and I can construct gestures that help with his
background. In a lot of ways it's like painting a canvas.
13:40
Benjamin
Orchard
Nice to know you both think of me
as a kind person in real life and not as a violent psycho, LOL!
13:40
Claire
Jean
And I think that is the right way
do to so. An actor should never completely take all of a previous actors
mannerisms from the same role, because each actor sees the role and the
character completely different.
13:40
Olivia
Jane Parker
That goes for Mel too, I said to
her, "I want to see Mel Rayner on that stage, if Madeleine Stowe comes out
to play I'll send her off and ask for Mel"
13:41
Claire
Jean
Exactly! Because they are both
different. (And we all know deep down inside you're a stone-cold killer, Ben)
13:42
Claire
Jean
- Radha Bharadwaj based her
allegorical thriller on the work of her husband with Amnesty International.
Throughout the film, the Woman undergoes physical and psychological abuse.
Knowing the basis of the story, Olivia and Ben, how do you think it affects
people’s interpretations of the government, and more specifically, Amnesty
International?
13:42
Olivia
Jane Parker
Hahaha nearly fell off my chair,
laughing too hard
13:42
Claire
Jean
Ha-ha
13:44
Olivia
Jane Parker
All I can do is speak for myself,
and what I think is that too many of us walk through life with blinkers on,
only seeing a narrow portion of what's going on around us. Therefore, I think I
was "woken up" in a sense, to look around and speak up when I believe
something is right or wrong, not just with governmental authorities, but with
everyone and everything.
13:45
Benjamin
Orchard
I know that Radha has resented the
way that Amnesty International seems to be tied to "Closet Land" in
the public mind. She feels that the extent to which AI inspired "Closet
Land" has been exaggerated in the media, and does not want to see
"Closet Land" perceived as propaganda for a cause. The contract for
amateur rights to "Closet Land" stipulates that neither Amnesty
International nor any other "cause" group should be associated with
the production. They are not allowed to be involved in the funding or promotion
of the production, or to profit by it in any way.
13:46
Olivia
Jane Parker
And we not only respect that, we
want that.
13:46
Benjamin
Orchard
This page of her official website
will provide you with more detail of Radha's thoughts on the matter:
http://www.closetland.com/closetland/closetland.html
13:46
Claire
Jean
Of course. I wouldn't imagine they
would profit in any way! I think because I am studying government and IR, the
matter seemed interesting to me.
13:48
Benjamin
Orchard
Unfortunately, sometimes once mud
is slung, it sticks. As I said above, I think the original film has been
tainted with the "message movie" label and this has eclipsed its
value as storytelling. It is its storytelling qualities that we would like to
see come back into focus with this production.
13:48
Claire
Jean
I do not think 'Closet Land' is in
any way a propaganda film. I was simply curious as to both of your opinions.
13:49
Claire
Jean
- To Ben and Olivia - Throughout
the play, the Woman is subjected to psychological and physical torture, as the
Man attempts to get The Woman to confess. But The Woman endures, refusing to
buckle under to The Man's relentless interrogation. Do you think there is an
underlining theme to this story? Why do you think the woman is able to remain
so strong?
13:50
Benjamin
Orchard
Just one last point in relation to
your previous question, Claire... In so far as people taking any political
message away from it, I hope that it encourages people to question things and
to speak out more about their political grievances. I know that I was quite
apathetic about politics before I saw the film and it encouraged me to ask
questions and speak out. I hope this stage production has a similarly positive
effect.
13:51
Claire
Jean
I think that is one of the reasons
that I am studying a minor in politics. Many people think politics is boring
and not worth their time, but there is in fact so many questions that need to
be asked, rather than answered.
13:52
Olivia
Jane Parker
There is an underlying theme, but
I'm hesitant to mention it, as I don't want to give anything away. The woman is
able to remain strong because at a young age she taught herself to escape
reality by using her imagination and she has such a long history of doing so
that she has become an expert at it.
13:53
Benjamin
Orchard
As for the question of what drives
the woman to resist - I imagine it is in part that she has the courage of her
convictions and would consider a compromise to be a betrayal of herself. There
is also the depth and power of her imagination which she draws upon to give her
strength. Yes, these are important, fundamental themes of the play, although I
can't emphasise enough that they are not the ONLY pertinent themes of the
piece.
13:54
Claire
Jean
I think the imagination is
something that many adults disregard as childish or unnecessary, when in fact
they are useful weapons that can be used at any age.
13:55
Olivia
Jane Parker
I myself was taught that using your
imagination was a negative trait, but I rebutted that notion, I always have and
always will.
13:55
Claire
Jean
Just a couple of questions left...
13:55
Olivia
Jane Parker
No worries
13:55
Benjamin
Orchard
Shoot
13:57
Claire
Jean
Many people would be turned off by
the notion of a film with only two speaking roles. How does your play
differentiate in this aspect? What does it bring to the table that the movie
version doesn't?
13:59
Olivia
Jane Parker
We have full scale paintings by
Heather Mill, an interesting set built by Greg Spence, works of cinematographer
Daniel Vink and crew, a wonderful photographer Lucie J Bauer and our lighting
designer Stephen Dean. This is made with the audience in mind, a contemporary
audience that are used to fast paced material. And my actors are brilliant!
14:00
Benjamin
Orchard
Well, technically there are more
than two speaking roles, although these characters (without spoiling too much)
are presented only through voice over narration (heard over the theatre's
speaker system).... I would say that having such a small cast does mean the
audience has a chance to get to know these two characters much better than they
would if they were part of a larger ensemble, what makes them tick, the depth
of their emotion, it's all fleshed out in so much detail. Looked at in that
light, the "only a few characters" thing can be viewed in a very
positive light.
14:01
Olivia
Jane Parker
I have given them all the scope of
what I want, but have also given them the creative licence to make the material
their own, as I don't want everything to have my mark on it. It's not the
Olivia Jane Parker show, it is a collaborative project, and I ultimately hired
these people because they are talented and I love what it is they do. They are
true artists.
14:02
Benjamin
Orchard
Rather like what HBO proved with that
series "In Treatment", I think just two people having a conversation
can be fascinating - when people are saying things that are interesting and
memorable, which I believe "Closet Land" is.
14:04
Claire
Jean
Ben - That's what I think. And with
regards to the personal nature of the story, if it was led by a team of
investigators it wouldn't be so confronting. And you are spot on with 'In
Treatment'. I thought that was a fantastic way of learning about characters
without the unnecessary outside input. Olivia - I think by making it a
collaborative project, it creates a sense of unity, where in a
'do-as-I-say-because-I-am-the-director' kind of movie, people are given their
roles and simple abide by them without question.
14:05
Olivia
Jane Parker
Right. We are doing this not as a
vanity project, but as we love it; we will respect it, so come see it - type
project.
14:06
Claire
Jean
Exactly! To Ben and Olivia - In the
end, the woman has a moment where she realises in a sort of epiphany that the
idea of having her power stolen from her by anyone is an illusion. No one can
steal your power - they can only trick you into giving it up, and then you have
the right to take it back at any time. What does this teach us about power and
the abuse of power?
14:06
Claire
Jean
And of course, an individual's
strength to resist?
14:07
Benjamin
Orchard
This is the last question, Claire?
14:07
Olivia
Jane Parker
That abuse is never okay, and that
we have the power to stand up against it. We have the power to be freed from
it.
14:08
Benjamin
Orchard
???
14:08
Claire
Jean
About the story, yes. I have one
more personal question to ask you both.
14:08
Olivia
Jane Parker
Oooh personal
14:08
Benjamin
Orchard
Oh, OK, to answer your question...
14:11
Benjamin
Orchard
I would also say that a pertinent
theme (without spoiling things too much) is how the abuse of power is
universally wrong - and that no politics, no dogma or ideology, can glorify or
justify the abuse of power. That the abuse of power, whether in the social or
domestic spheres, is equally ignoble.
14:13
Claire
Jean
That is so right. The abuse of
power is never a noble thing, even if the person abusing it believes they are
doing it to uphold some form of justice.
14:13
Olivia
Jane Parker
Again, here, here!
14:14
Claire
Jean
A kind of informal P.S. question,
if you both weren't actors or in the theatre society, what would you be doing?
14:16
Olivia
Jane Parker
Well I think because I don't like
being stuck in one job or in one position, I'd have to be in a job that's ever
changing. Perhaps marketing or a co-ordinator of some sort.
14:17
Benjamin
Orchard
I would be a librarian. I'm working
on that goal now. My love of reading is such that to go to work every day,
surrounded by books... it would just be the perfect working environment.
Especially in a public or school library, where I would have direct interaction
with the clientele, and help them in their discovery of the magic of books.
14:19
Claire
Jean
That's what I'd love to do! What a
joy that would be to be able to teach people to read, and share your love of
literature. Well, I don't have any more questions! You've both answered the
questions I scribbled down in my note book.
14:20
Olivia
Jane Parker
Thank you, it's been an absolute
pleasure and if you have any other questions you'd like answered feel free to
contact me directly. Any time you like.
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