Veteran actor MARIUS WEYERS takes the title role in Florian Zeller’s The Father, which has picked up awards on Broadway and the West End. He talks about the production at The Fugard.
Please tell us what The Father is about?
It is about relationships of a man with his daughter and care-givers, and the fact that he suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. It’s about the pain and the horror of seeing a man regress through this terrible disease to becoming a child again. He is caught in a world where he can’t recognise his loved ones or his life itself.
It sounds like a deeply personal and poignant role – how has it been to rehearse?
We’ve only just started rehearsals but already it’s been a fascinating journey: one of pain, terror, insecurity, paranoia - and also very funny at times.
Despite the solemn subject matter, would you say it is an entertaining piece – a production that is a pleasure to see?
Well, the playwright calls it “a tragic farce”
You are on stage with a powerhouse cast (Anthea Thompson, Emily Child, Nicholas Pauling and others). Have you acted with any of these performers before?
No, and it is a great pleasure to finally do so.
And what have you got lined up, going forward?
I’ve just finished a film called Recce. Next year we’ll film Die Seemeeu, a play we did very successfully last year.
As a hugely popular and respected theatre veteran, what do you think of the state of theatre in SA at the moment? What excites you?
I’m very happy with state of theatre, I stand astonished at the depth of talent and the force of young directors, writers and actors.
What was the last live show you saw, and how did you find it?
Clybourne Park at The Fugard. The writing, directing and acting ... excellent.
What do you do to relax?
I like being at home with my wife and dogs, and going on long walks along the beach or in the veldt. And helping my wife fire her sculptures, and watching good films together.
Tell us something about yourself that most people would not know or suspect?
By this time most people know everything; and what they don’t know, they suspect.
● The Father is at the Fugard from November 8 to December 3. Book: Computicket 0861 915 8000.