Company Interviews: James Wallis, Co-Director
We asked James Wallis, one of our Co-Directors for A Midsummer Night's Dream, a few questions about himself, the production, and being a director...
Have you been in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream before?
Yes I have. Midsummer was one of our first staged readings that Shakespeare BASH’d did back in 2011 and one of the first plays I ever directed. It was a great time. We had a fantastic cast, and masks, and everything! Also, I was in the play in Barrie, as Bottom. Probably one of my favourite moments was when we were performing, outdoors, and we heard Trooper, the 80’s band, playing across the lake, drowning us out. That was a fun show.
If you were transformed into an animal, what would it be?
Fat cat. So cute and sleepy. Or a bulldog named James Too (as in, as well).
If you were in "The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe" which character would you play?
Pyramus probably. I like the alliteration.
If your character were at the Monarch Tavern, what drink would they order?
A director always drinks an IPA behind the curtain for the first and second half of the show. Afterwards, the director drinks another few IPA’s while chatting with the audience. What I’m the only one?
Who is your favourite pop-culture fairy?
Carol Kane from Scrooged. She’s more of a Ghost of Christmas past but I think it works.
If you could have one magical power what would it be?
The ability to get all the email and work done while I sleep at night.
What is your history with Shakespeare BASH'd?
Shakespeare BASH’d is something that I am privileged to work on. The amazing artists that work with us every time is so humbling. I’m so impressed and chuffed by the talent and hard work that goes on in every process that we do. Plus, I get to work with some of my favourite people, including my wife. It’s simply the best thing in the world.
What are you most excited for people to see in this production?
The amazing actors doing such fantastic work with one of Shakespeare’s most poetic, complex, and tripping texts. Plus, I think the bar will lend itself to the play very well. It’s a play that most people have seen. I want them to see what we do with it.
Yes I have. Midsummer was one of our first staged readings that Shakespeare BASH’d did back in 2011 and one of the first plays I ever directed. It was a great time. We had a fantastic cast, and masks, and everything! Also, I was in the play in Barrie, as Bottom. Probably one of my favourite moments was when we were performing, outdoors, and we heard Trooper, the 80’s band, playing across the lake, drowning us out. That was a fun show.
If you were transformed into an animal, what would it be?
Fat cat. So cute and sleepy. Or a bulldog named James Too (as in, as well).
If you were in "The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe" which character would you play?
Pyramus probably. I like the alliteration.
If your character were at the Monarch Tavern, what drink would they order?
A director always drinks an IPA behind the curtain for the first and second half of the show. Afterwards, the director drinks another few IPA’s while chatting with the audience. What I’m the only one?
Who is your favourite pop-culture fairy?
Carol Kane from Scrooged. She’s more of a Ghost of Christmas past but I think it works.
If you could have one magical power what would it be?
The ability to get all the email and work done while I sleep at night.
What is your history with Shakespeare BASH'd?
Shakespeare BASH’d is something that I am privileged to work on. The amazing artists that work with us every time is so humbling. I’m so impressed and chuffed by the talent and hard work that goes on in every process that we do. Plus, I get to work with some of my favourite people, including my wife. It’s simply the best thing in the world.
What are you most excited for people to see in this production?
The amazing actors doing such fantastic work with one of Shakespeare’s most poetic, complex, and tripping texts. Plus, I think the bar will lend itself to the play very well. It’s a play that most people have seen. I want them to see what we do with it.