Interview: David Ferry of Coal Mine Theatre's THE RIVER

The Coal Mine Theatre's kicks off its second season with the Canadian premiere of Jez Butterworth's THE RIVER, directed by Ted Dykstra. The production stars David Ferry as The Man, Jane Spidell as The Woman, and Dani Kind as The Other.

Before performances begin on November 1, we spoke with star David Ferry:

Stemming off the success of the Coal Mine Theatre's inaugural season - what can audiences expect moving into its second season? Is the bar going to be set even higher?

It's kind of like a second play for the author of a first play hit. Will he/she be able to repeat the success. One hopes the audience will come with an open and generous heart and mind. Mo/Fo Hat, BULL, Creditors were all surprising and good. I think they were all sexy, well and honestly acted, and cleverly staged/directed/designed. Hopefully I will take care of my end on the acting front and not let down the team.

The River has dark tones and elements. What drew you to this role?

The poetry, the mystery, the enigmatic . The sense of the unfinished and unattainable in each relationship. The ships passing in the night.

Stepping into a role recently popularized by Hugh Jackman must be intimidating. What research or process did you delve into when prepping for this role?

I read in the New Yorker interview with Mr Butterworth that Mr Jackman said "I imagine there will be a few people coming to see the NYC production thinking they will see Wolverine. My hope is there will be people going to see the next Wolverine movie hoping to see The Man from The River." Those are ultra first world acting problems that I will never have because I am not a star. Audiences will not come expecting anything. Some theatre enthusiasts MAY come expecting to see Mr Butterworths 'Jerusalem'. This is definately not that.

It was reported that Hugh Jackman injured himself on stage gutting a fish - any near mishaps during rehearsal?

I am from Newfoundland and learned how to clean and gut a fish early on. I am also a cooking enthusiast and so not worried. Having said that, any time you are acting with a real sharp blade, anything can happen. Fingers and toes crossed.

How has your chemistry with the rest of the cast been throughout rehearsal?

They have been very generous in putting up with my funny process. I think the actresses I am working with are all first rate, I just hope I am keeping up my end and giving as much spark back as I am getting.

Why should audiences come see The River?

Its sexy. Its mysterious. It's funny. It's mystical. It's poetic. It's as much work for the audience to figure out as for the cast. AND maybe they will see an actor cut himself on stage. Like watching cage fighting!

THE RIVER plays at The Coal Mine Theatre's temporary location at 982 Danforth Avenue*, Toronto, from November 1-22. Visit www.facebook.com/coalminetheatre for more information and www.brownpapertickets.com/TheCoalMine for tickets.

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