Interview: Irish Actor, Shane O'Regan, on PRIVATE PEACEFUL and Contemplating the Purpose of War

War! What is it good for? Private Peaceful, adapted and directed by Simon Reade, will make its New York debut at The TBG Mainstage Theatre this August and leave it up to audiences to answer this age-old question. Irish actor, Shane O' Regan, plays 40 characters over the course of this 90-minute play, centered on young solider, Tommo Peaceful, and the bond he has with older brother, Charlie. With war and destruction plaguing his family's small English town, Tommo reflects on the meaning of life and what's most important. Through it all, he works to see the humanity in others, reminding us all of our innate purpose - to love.

BroadwayWorld had the opportunity to chat with the talented actor about the messages of the show related to war; his approach to playing several characters over 90 minutes; and finding our own interpretation of life's purpose through theater.

What are some of the key messages in the storytelling around Private Peaceful and the harsh realities of war?

Experiencing life through the main character, Tommo, has taught me so much about how a human being should function. His first response is love and the only reason he is fighting is to protect his family. He grew up in the western part of England and lost his father at a young age - looking up to his brother, Charlie as a role model and sort of like a superhero for guidance and direction.

Can you talk a little more about the bond between the two brothers and how it impacts the play?

The bond between the two brothers runs very deep and so strong! It's very interesting to reflect on the male dynamic and how Tommo allows himself to be open and emotional about their relationship. He really does treasure his bond with Charlie and their shared life experiences.

Have you developed a specific approach to playing 40 characters throughout the 90-minute running time?

Depicting 40 characters (with some of them being unspoken) in a quick 90 minutes is so much fun, but also a bit of a challenge. Even though I'm on stage by myself, I'm never really alone. Audiences become actively involved in these stories and we're on the journey together. I'm a big believer in approaching each show by being as present as possible and making it feel like a new experience each time. It also sometimes depends on what I'm going through on that given day - you never know what part is going to hit you!

Does the experience take a toll on you emotionally?

I definitely take some time after shows to clear my mind, by going for a walk and letting my thoughts settle. It's important to take those moments to release yourself from the material and begin fresh.

What are some of the biggest lessons you gained professionally and personally?

Being from Ireland, I'm actually the first non-British actor to do the show. It took some time adjusting to a different accent and switching between actions.

I also never learned about WWI from Irish curriculum. During my research for Private Peaceful, I was able to really dig in and take it upon myself to travel and visit the famous sites and battlefields in locations such as Belgium. It provided a picture of what the people we're going through and made me realize just how good we have it!

One of the biggest insights I've gained from Tommo is learning how to slow down a bit, when you are emotional. He knows how to take a step back and channel his energy into a calmer place - something that is not the easiest during the heat of war.

How do you hope Private Peaceful will open the minds of audience members?

The beauty of theater is being able to take away what resonates most with the individual. I hope that the play challenges audiences to take another look at the nature of war and consider what's going on for the individual soldier. An important question to think about is: Who's actually fighting the war and who's causing it?

Human beings are innately good - we all need to try and remember that, even in times of war and destruction.

Private Peaceful will run at The TBG Mainstage Theatre from August 28-October 7.

Photo by Tom Lawlor

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