interview with cast member – lucy coleman
How does your character change and how do you reflect this change in your performance?
Lucy (21) plays Elsa in Prince Willy
Why did you audition for The One Sure Thing? I saw last year‟s monologues‟ production and it was great! Plus atyp always puts on a great show and I was keen to be a part of it. The theme of “death” could be perceived as quite heavy and depressing. What has it been like preparing for the role? Do you need to de-role after rehearsals and performances? Death doesn‟t come into my monologue as much as it does the others. The monologue starts in the big, bright, happy world of Elsa and gets a little heavy towards the end, but Elsa is more confused about what is going on towards the end and there are never any actual references to death itself. So when I‟m preparing for my role, it‟s more about me taking myself into the heightened, overexcited world of Elsa.
Elsa in on a quest to marry Willy and fulfil her dreams of being a famous actress. She comes up against hurdles the whole night but nothing deters her from going after what she wants. When her plans aren‟t working out the way she wants, Elsa acts out and hits Willy. Her world begins to fall down around her. Still trying to cling onto whatever hope she can, Elsa begins to see her dreams fade and disappear. When she realises that Willy is in serious trouble, her focus finally shifts and her mood changes to confusion/ guilt and wanting to help. The monologue is left on an ambiguous note as to what actually happens to Willy. But Elsa‟s dreams have definitely gone down the toilet (sic)! What advice would you give to young actors preparing for the HSC Drama performance? Pick a piece that really resonates with you; a monologue that has themes and events that you are interested in exploring. This way you a) won‟t get bored of it half way through working on it, and b) will be passionate about researching and performing it. Then go for it! Don‟t hold back, learn your lines and let loose! Most of all have fun!!