Top South African actor David Dennis take on the iconic role of Bernadette in the fabulous Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical. He talks to WeekendSpecial about the production:
WS: Please tell us about your character Bernadette – who is she, how would you describe her?
DD: As I understand the background story she is based on a real person who in fact took the extremely courageous step of undergoing gender transition from male to female at a time when the procedure was at its nascent stage. She was known by her stage persona Carlotta, and was famous for her performances in the renowned Sydney based troupe “Les Girls”. Essentially the actor has to create a totally believable woman – a professional entertainer, gracious, glamorous, with old style movie-star class and a strong, no nonsense attitude. She can tell a shovel from a spade and dishes it accordingly.
WS: How has it been to play such an interesting, unconventional, personality – difficult or a delight?
DD: Utterly delightful if damn difficult. I seem to specialise in taking on difficult characters.
WS: And the musical itself – is it fair to say it’s quite over the top?
DD: As musical shows go it is in a realm of its own but in a very tasteful, highly entertaining way. I would say, judging by the cast’s reaction, the excitement at finally getting to performance stage is palpable.
WS: At the same time, is it fair to say the musical carries an important message about tolerance and acceptance?
DD: Totally – especially in a country where we have much to learn about recognising and dealing with bigotry and prejudice. We are very good at paying lip service to notions of tolerance and acceptance.
WS: We assume you have seen the film version of Priscilla? If yes, to what extent has this influenced your performance in the show – or is the stage production an entirely different beast?
DD: “At first I was afraid – I was petrified.” Seriously though, I thought Terence Stamp’s performance was extraordinary especially his transformation into character, as were his co-stars Guy Pierce and Hugo Weaving. The musical however is indeed a quite different beast in that the physical demand of performing even a scene that could be described as a “bad act” equates to being rehearsed to perfection. It’s an exercise in intense high energy.
WS: Okay, ‘fess up – what’s your fave musical number in the show?
DD: Two numbers at the end of the show – a spectacular rock opera arrangement that segues into the final trio between the three leads. It’s thrilling and deeply moving.
WS: And have you developed a close affinity to feathers, since signing up for this musical?
DD: Only at showtime. They don’t really work when gardening or up on a roof painting and cleaning gutters.
WS: So when you’re not working on stage, TV or the big screen, what do you like to do during your down time?
DD: Gardening and maintenance and repair. Other than that – cooking great food and reading copiously – though not necessarily at the same time!
WS: Could you please tell us something about yourself that others may not know or suspect?
DD: As a staunch Roman Catholic I attend Holy Mass every Sunday and hold down a day job as Head of the School of Live Performance at AFDA (Jhb campus).
Show details:
What: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical
When: 26 March to 23 April
Where: Artscape
Book: Computicket
WS
