Declan makes his
Rosebud Theatre debut in this summer’s ‘Tent Meeting’. He was recently seen on the
Theatre Calgary stage in ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘King Lear’, ‘One Man, Two
Guvnors’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. Other credits include ‘Shakespeare’s
Rebel’ and ‘King Lear’ (Bard on the Beach - Vancouver), ‘Circle Mirror
Transformation’ (Sage/Shadow Theatre Co-Production), ‘The Secret Garden’ (Theatre
New Brunswick), and ‘Emily… a Musical’ and ‘Anne of Green Gables’
(Charlottetown Festival). He’s also appeared at YPT, Persephone Theatre,
Phoenix Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre & Leave It to Jane Theatre. Declan is a
graduate of the University of Alberta BFA Acting program and a founding member
of Edmonton’s Free Will Players Shakespeare company.
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| Declan O'Reilly and Seana-Lee Wood in Tent Meeting. Photo by Morris Ertman. |
Where do you call home?
Home is currently Calgary. I guess it always will be the place I
feel closest too as my family is there but I’ve made my home all over the
place. Born in Northern Ireland, raised in Malawi (central Africa), and came to Canada in the late 1970's. I also lived in Edmonton for 8 years and Toronto for 17 years before returning to
Calgary in 2012.
What’s your must-have morning ritual?
Coffee and a shower but not always in that order. I also usually
check out the BBC World News as I find their coverage of news events second to
none.
What song always puts a smile on your
face?
Happy Birthday!
What’s currently inspiring you?
I get my inspiration from all over the place. People, nature, great
art and good books, and the love of my family. I’m currently inspired by the
beauty of Rosebud and the wonderful people there I get to work with and see
everyday. It’s a glorious place and I know it will remain very close to my
heart for many years to come.
You’ve been a regular in the professional Calgary
theatre scene, as well as a founder of Free Will Shakespeare in
Edmonton. Any roles still on your bucket list?
There are many roles I wish I had had the opportunity to play but
many of them are beyond me now due to that thing called age. I always have been
more of a character actor than a leading man and there is a certain freedom in
that. As I start into my 50’s there are still a few roles that I’d love to
play: Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman,
Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, and
Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
I would also love the chance to revisit the role of Malvolio in Twelfth Night as I think I was too young
when I played him the first time.
Do you have a go-to Shakespeare monologue?
Well, yes, but I try to keep looking for new stuff to keep me
inspired and fresh. The one I have used many times is Antipholus of Ephesus “My
liege, I am advised what I say! That
woman locked me out this day from dinner…” (Comedy of Errors, Act V, Scene 1)
In ‘Tent Meeting’, you’re playing George… a man
with deep questions that the church has yet to answer. What in the
character do you identify with most?
Honestly? Everything. I’m more like George than not.
Have you had a favorite on-stage moment this
summer?
I’m always privileged to be in a position to do what I do. I love
every opportunity to be on stage and I never take it for granted, so every
performance is a special on-stage moment. That being said, I did love getting a
chance to share the stage with Morris Ertman and Bill Hamm recently when one of
our cast members (the exquisite Jonathan Bruce) went down with an illness and
needed to be replaced for a few shows. Morris and Bill stepped in to cover
those shows and it was an amazing experience to see those two men bring their
talent and commitment to the stage. The first night they stepped in was a
pretty wonderful feeling. I’ll remember that for years to come.
Best acting advice you’ve been given?
Early in my studies I was a student of Keith Johnstone (the Godfather
of Improvisational Theatre). His advice was, and I believe it to be the best
advice to give to any actor starting out… “If you can do anything else in life
then do that instead.” Acting is a tough career and you need to NEED to do it.
Lastly,
‘Tent Meeting’ is full of lovely four part harmonies: music steeped in
traditions from a time that seems to have passed. What can modern audiences
relate to in these melodies?
Well, the great thing about music is that it transcends time and
place. Coming into this show I was really not very familiar with gospel or
quartet singing. I like my music a bit more modern and loud but I came to
appreciate these songs and the work that goes into weaving such intricate
harmonies. The music in this show really serves the story, the period in
history and the hopefulness of the characters. It’s beautiful stuff and I
challenge anyone who watches this play to not be moved by the music.
There’s three weeks
left to catch the profound performance of Declan O’Reilly as George in 'Tent
Meeting', playing on the Rosebud Theatre mainstage until August 27th.
For tickets and further information, visit www.rosebudtheatre.com
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