Mark Meadows plays Jabe Torrance in Theatr Clwyd and Menier Chocolate Factory co-production of Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending, directed by Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director, Tamara Harvey. Orpheus Descending began its life as Battle of Angels in 1940, and was first performed on Broadway in 1957. In 1959, Sidney Lumet directed the film adaptation, The Fugitive Kind, starring Marlon Brando and Anna Magnani.
Orpheus Descending is at Theatr Clwyd 15th – 27th April and Menier Chocolate Factory 9th May – 6th July 2019.
You’re appearing in Orpheus Descending, what can you tell us about it?
It’s a play about the possible redemption, through passion and real feeling, of lives that could otherwise seem irredeemable.
How would you describe Jabe Torrance, your character?
Dying, disappointed, destructive.
How does this character differ to previous roles you’ve played?
I like to try to find the heart in every character. It’s harder to find in Jabe than most, but it’s there somewhere…
What do you think it is about Tennessee Williams’ writing that makes it so enduring?
There is a universality to a lot of his themes and there is a unique power and poetry in his language.
What are you looking forward to most about working with the creative team of Orpheus Descending?
I think a genuine sense of playful creativity, underpinned by a passion that is inherent in the play itself.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Orpheus Descending?
Prepare to be challenged, provoked and hopefully entertained!
Photo: Mark Meadows in rehearsal for Orpheus Descending c. Johan Persson
