BWW Interviews: Charles Officer Talks A RAISIN IN THE SUN

It was in 2008 that Soulpepper frist presented A RAISIN IN THE SUN.  It had such rave reviews that they have brought the show back with the original cast intact, and it is playing the Young Centre for the Performing Arts until November 20th, 2010. 

A timeless classic, RAISIN IN THE SUN is an award-winning production directly by Weyni Mengesha.  The story centers around an three generations of a black American family as they discover love, dignity, courage and hope amidst racial intolerance.

Charles Officer has been busy working on feature films and projects that have taken him away from the theatre, but he returns to reprise his role as Walter Lee and took a few minutes to talk to BWW about what it is like approaching this piece two years after it originally debuted:

This is your second time working on RAISIN IN THE SUN. Have you had anything happen in the last two years that impacts your performance or take on the role?

I think my personal life experiences have affected me this time around in different ways. Responsibilities, chasing dreams, and letting go of dreams have all been a part of my journey these last two years.

I didn't have a lot of time to get onstage or do much acting since I was releasing and finishing feature films. So I was open to making new and subtle discoveries about Walter Lee through a different lens. Actually, I also just turned 35 last week, so the character has been evolving from moment to moment. Although the text remains the same, my goal was not to repeat what I did with the role the last time. A close friend of mine point out a review that said something like "Walter Lee was less ‘pyrotechnic' in this run" and I was happy about that.

Your previous work has mostly been in film and TV (including many directing credits) as well as sports - what made you decide to transition to the stage?

Well, it definitely appears that way. But I have always respected theatre in a huge way. I was taught that you learn from the stage. My first theatre experience was in 2000 with an independent and Contemporary Theatre company called Sto-Union. We toured a show called "Recent Experiences" for seven years around the world. I got to witness the most incredible theatre I have ever seen at festivals in Hong Kong, Australia and Europe. It was crazy. Theatre has always been close to me, perhaps not in the "popular" forms of Shakespeare of even Tennessee Williams. But magical, innovative and entertaining theatre all the same.

I hear that you are playing a smaller house for this run of RAISIN IN THE SUN, has that impacted the tone and feel of the story in your opinion?

Yes, everything is tighter now, more like a ‘Rat Trap'. The audience is right up our noses and in our business. I think this production is best presented this way. The intimacy is much more intense when it feels like 250 or so people are breathing with you.

What has the audience reaction been like thus far?

The production has been blessed with positive receptions. From those who have seen the production and those who are new. The cast gives it their guts at every show. We are very lucky to have each other.

For those unfamiliar with the show or with this type of theatre, what would you say to get them to come out and give the show a try?

A Raisin in the Sun is a story that stands the test of time.

We are also working on encouraging young people who want to get involved in theatre, what one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the business?

"An ounce of behaviour is worth a pound of words." - S. Meisner

When and Where?

A RAISIN IN THE SUN

Young Centre for the Performing Arts - Michael Young Theatre

Until November 20th

Tickets range from $35 to $76 and can be purchased be phone at 416-866-8666 or online at www.soulpepper.ca

$22 tickets are available for those aged 21-30 through StagePlay at www.stageplay.ca

Stageplay is sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group

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