INTERVIEW: ‘Shadowlands’ delves deep into C.S. Lewis’ love and grief
Shadowlands, written by William Nicholson, tells the story of scholar and writer C.S. Lewis and his relationship with Joy Davidman. A new revival from the Fellowship for Performing Arts is set to close Sunday, Jan. 7 at the Acorn Theatre in Midtown Manhattan.
There are only a few more chances to check out the drama in New York City.
FPA has showcased many of the theatrical works by or involving Lewis and his impact on academics, Christian theology and philosophy. Following their extended runs of The Screwtape Letters, The Most Reluctant Convert and other works, Shadowlands may prove to be the most personal look at Lewis. The show is based on Lewis’ A Grief Observed, which details his love relationship with Davidman and her battle with cancer.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with John C. Vennema, who stars in the play as Warnie Lewis, C.S.’s brother. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What first attracted you to this role and this revival?
From the very first reading, I felt an enormous affinity with this character. Warnie is British to the core, with British reserve, but has enormous heart and a great sense of humor. He loves his brother and comes to deeply love Joy and her son. Plus I found it very exciting to participate in the first New York revival of this play in over 25 years.
What do you feel C.S. Lewis and his life can still teach audiences in 2017?
To be open to your emotions, never to give up on the possibility of making connections and having a relationship, and to closely examine your theory of life as compared to your actual experience.
To make the brotherly relationship seem real, did you do anything special during rehearsals with Daniel Gerroll (who plays C.S.)? How does one create a family relationship on stage?
The brotherly relationship between Danny and me came naturally because we’ve known each other over 30 years.
What’s it been like to work with director Christa Scott-Reed?
Christa has an encyclopedic knowledge of C.S. Lewis and a very clear vision of how to interpret this play without it becoming sentimental. She has always been upbeat and receptive to suggestions from the actors. Rehearsing with her was a joy. Although it was her first directing job, she is a real pro.
Have you been interested in acting ever since you were a child?
Yes. In the seventh grade at St. John’s school in Houston, I portrayed a psychiatrist in a musical written by the head of school — I sang his song about people being objective or subjective in my boy-soprano.
Then I played the King in The King and I at 16, and I was hooked.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Shadowlands continues through Sunday, Jan. 7 at the Acorn Theatre at Theatre Row in Midtown Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.
