Actor Jackie Rens takes on a lead role in The Vertical Hour at The Theatre on the Bay. She talks about the play, and her career.
Tell us about The Vertical Hour– what happens?
It’s about Nadia, a former journalist now serving as a professor at Yale. Most of the play’s action involves her trip with fiancé Philip Lucas, a physical therapist, to Shropshire in the English countryside to meet Philip’s eccentric father, Oliver.
A strained relationship between Oliver and Philip is revealed, while an unspoken attraction develops between Oliver and Nadia. Nadia also learns of Oliver's “open marriage” and extramarital affairs, one of which led to the accidental death of one of Oliver's mistresses.
And your role in the production?
I play the role of Nadia Blye, the journalist.
Would you describe it as a fairly complex examination of relationships and attitudes?
Yes.
You’ve studied both drama and musical theatre – is it fair to say you have a passion for both?
Absolutely. I have always been an actress first and foremost; however I do believe it is important for performers to be multi-faceted and have various performance skill-sets, which can certainly increase one’s employability.
Is it true that you are combining a career as head of department at Oakfields College Faculty of Dance and Musical Theatre, with your stage career? This must be quite hard?
It’s true. How many people can say they have both their dream jobs? I’m extremely fortunate to work in such a supportive environment that allows me to fulfil my passion as an educator as well as an artist. Fortunately, we have an incredible “dream team” of passionate and dedicated lecturers who certainly do not need to be micro-managed. Part of the success of Oakfields College is the fact that all the dance and musical theatre lecturers are practising professionals who are familiar with the current trends and demands of the performing arts industry.
Clearly, tertiary education in the arts is very important to you?
Absolutely. It’s incredibly important to me that we help develop not only the next generation of performers but also theatre “makers”.
Who/what do you find inspiring in your career?
I tend to live in a constant state of (sometimes naïve) awe of the world. I find inspiration everywhere. Admittedly, my students also inspire me. Their youthful exuberance, idealism and drive is infectious and re-ignites my own passion daily. Also, working with the likes of Michael Richard (in The Vertical Hour) is incredibly inspiring. Every rehearsal feels like an acting master-class where I have the opportunity to watch and learn from one of our country’s greats! He’s also a down-right “nice guy”.
What was the last live show you saw and how did you find it?
I recently watched One Arm at Artscape, directed by Fred Abrahamse (who also directed The Vertical Hour) and performed by Marcel Meyer and Nicholas Dallas. Marcel and I studied together and even as a student I was always in awe of his work – this production confirms that I still am. One Arm is a beautifully delicate, poignant short story by Tennessee Williams, masterfully adapted into a play by Abrahamse and Meyer. I loved every moment!
What do you do to relax?
I very seldom “relax” in the traditional sense. My work feeds my soul so I very seldom feel the need to “escape” from it, but when I’m not working I enjoying going to the gym with my fiancé, picking up heavy weights and pretending to be hardcore.
Family time is also important to me and my sister-cousin does a mean Sunday roast, so most Sundays we can all be found lounging about in a semi-comatose state after an indulgent family gathering.
Admittedly, I’m also a hippie-chick at heart so anything that involves nature also brings me peace and relaxation.
l The Vertical Hour is at The Theatre on the Bay until September 27. Tickets are R100 to R165. To book, call 021 438 3300.