Much Ado About Nothing Behind the Scenes

Ken Ransom - Benedick

Black Swan spoke to Ken Ransom about his love of Shakespeare and his upcoming role in Much Ado About Nothing.

You have gained a wealth of experience acting for theatre, film and television. What has been one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Meeting Debbie Allen and getting that first professional role in the television version of FAME would be high on my list.  I knew that I had to deal with the fact that I was auditioning for someone that I regarded so highly so I marched right in an shook her hand and said, “it’s such a pleasure to meet you, I admire your work so much.”  I knew that if I didn’t deal with the fact that she was in the room, I would have spent the entire audition thinking: “it’s Debbie Allen, it’s Debbie Allen.” I dealt with it and I got the role. Working in Equal Justice with another actor I admire, Joe Morton, was a highlight and the role allowed me to do some of the best work I’ve ever done for the camera. I also loved being in the first season of The Secret Life of Us.

On stage, my memorable moments would all be in Australia: doing Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train for Red Stitch in Melbourne, was remarkable as my role, Lucius, is such a tour de force; playing Darren Lemming in Take Me Out, for Melbourne Theatre Company, as it was the role that best encompasses all that I am and all that I value and I got to do it with my life partner Kate Cherry; and then, last year, in McReele at the Ensemble in Sydney, I played the title character in a political piece that’s was very timely and my performance got a lot of positive attention.

You have had a lot of experience with Shakespeare, set next to play Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, what has is favourite Shakespearean play and why?
I really don’t have a favorite, as I love the entire canon, with the possible exception of The Merry Wives of Windsor.  Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Midsummer Night’s Dream all play large roles in my Shakespeare appreciation, as they do for many people.  But I also like some of his less popular plays like The Winter’s Tale, Cymbeline and The Tempest.  My son is named after a character in As You Like It, which is the first Shakespeare play I performed in professionally.  People are often surprised that I don’t favour Othello, presumably because of my racial background.  I do admire the play, but am most interested in its exploration of a celebrated outsider, the fact that he’s black is just another point of intersection. If pressed I’d probably have to say Romeo and Juliet, as it’s about the transformative power of love. 

If you could play any character in any production, what would it be and why?
This brings us back to Othello. It’s the role I’m destined to do at some point.  I do think I’m a bit young at the moment.  But I’m sure I’ll do it at some point.  I’ve always wanted to do Hamlet, as I think it’s the role I’m best suited for, but, sadly, I think my moment may have passed.

David Murray - Lighting Designer

You have many ‘hats’ in the arts industry. What is it that you enjoy most about wearing your Lighting Designer hat?
The challenge of realising the writer’s, director’s and designer’s vision in time and 3D space. I suppose my background as a musician informs the rhythms of the design.

What have you found challenging about Black Swan’s production of Much Ado About Nothing?
The set design’s mirrored floor has caused some trepidation as has the limited space for set and especially lighting overhead, but, these challenges can inspire unique and visionary interpretations.

What colours do you ‘think in’ when designing comedy?
With this production, I think more in terms of facial clarity, intensity, character relationships and atmosphere rather than colour. The set and costumes will provide plenty of warmth when needed and apart from the more dramatic scenes, which provide the necessary conflict; I see the characters as jewel-like set in a dramatically suitable environment.

What is on your wish list of productions to design for? Why?
Any script that is riveting and moving on the first reading. After all, theatre is, primarily, the art of storytelling.

Austin Castiglione - Don John

One of the most exciting things about Much Ado About Nothing for me is the number of actors on stage. I have done Shakespeare with three actors before, which can really be a stretch for an audience. At Black Swan we have 14 actors! Plus student extras for the party scene! Today we will be rehearsing a dance with all the actors and extras together for the first time - I can't wait! Having so many people on stage really does the play justice, and is closer to what Shakespeare had in mind when his plays were first produced.

My character is the villain, which is so much fun, especially in a comedy. All the other characters are so good natured and preoccupied with love. Boring! My character comes on stage and delightfully lowers the tone, I love it.

It's great to be back in Perth with our new daughter, working on Shakespeare with a fantastic group of people. I really enjoy watching the more experienced actors work - it's very inspiring. It's going to be a great show.