Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of theatre with an exclusive interview with James Viller, a talented actor known for his captivating performances on stage and screen. With a string of successful roles under his belt, James and his wife Anya Viller are set to captivate audiences with their riveting performances in the timeless Chekhovian drama ‘The Lady with the Dog’. In an interview with Creativity is, James Viller shares insights into his craft, his inspiration, and the profound experience of bringing complex characters to life. Join us as we delve into the world of theatre through the eyes of a consummate artist.
What roles did you play before taking part in The Lady with the Dog? Do you have a favourite role that made the biggest impression on you?
“At the end of last year we all did another show at the Art Theatre called Life with a Little “L” based on the life and work of Charles Bukowski, it was wonderful to work with genius literature, with an exceptionally talented team and playing extraordinary people from the 1960s and 1970s USA. On the big screen, I recently starred in a period film called ‘Strike’ from Sandstorm Films, which is about a turbulent relationship between a husband and wife and has a very poignant supernatural element. It is set against the backdrop of the Matchgirls’ Strike of 1888 and is about women’s rights. Anna also worked on a big TV project called ‘Vertinsky’, a biopic about the artist, set in the early 20th century. Going back to those times and understanding the sensibilities of people at that time, without trying to judge them, was very enlightening and made a big impression on both of us, no less than it helped us prepare for Chekhov, going back to the early 20th century.”
How do you get into the role of your characters in plays? What methods or approaches to acting help you feel and convey their emotions and inner world?
“Careful research is a given, and while training at drama schools such as Drama Centre London & The Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute has certainly provided a solid foundation for our actors in The Lady with the Dog, and the methods of Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, and Uta Hagen are wholeheartedly recommended, I think life experience is what most informs my practice now. This includes watching and reading great material, my personal life experiences, and paying particular attention to the people around me; their stories, physiognomy, behaviour, and psychological choices. This, I think, would help anyone expand their ability to create a living character removed from themselves… and there is a real beauty in that too, seeing the world from another point of view, having stepped into someone else’s shoes. It can also help you win arguments.”
How does working in theatre differ from working in film or television and what attracts you to theatre?
“Film and TV can be immensely enjoyable if you have a great team around you and you’re working on interesting material, but nothing beats the experience of live theatre; living a part from beginning to end with no cuts is wonderful, but there’s more to it than that. Live theatre is about sharing the experience of a story with others; it is about sixty, a hundred, a thousand minds thinking and feeling as one, knowing that each performance is unique and will never be repeated, that moments of shared laughter or pain or enlightenment will simply come and go as if by magic. All that remains is the imprint on the soul.”
What qualities do you think a good director should have for you to break out in a role?
“I think a good director has to have a great idea, something profound they want to say. It helps immensely as an actor to know why you are acting – for what reason, for what idea. Great performances use the text of the play as a medium to express that idea. We all know what happens in Romeo & Juliet, what is interesting is how the director sees it and how he presents it. This can also shed new light and make the old new again. The second for me is empathy, which is very helpful in creating characters and working with the sensitive beings known as actors. Third is imagination – “what happens between the characters?” “What’s going on in the minds of the characters?” and an eye for visuals and sounds that help express these ideas, which the actor can work with and feed off.
The whole certainly influences the parts.”
How do you react to unexpected situations or mistakes during a performance? What methods of error correction do you use?
“I used to get very nervous when things went wrong, people screaming, phones going off, even people coming on stage to ask me questions in the middle of a scene…
However, our aim as theatre makers is to present something alive and it occurred to me that these unexpected situations are often opportunities that we should not ignore or fight against, but opportunities to really play and live!
Even when a performance is going through the motions, these moments can often inspire us.”
What do you think about the importance of classical literature and theatre in today’s society? Do you think they are still as relevant and understandable to the audience?
“I think it’s very important to read as much classical literature as possible. These timeless works have stood the test of time for good reason, and in a modern world full of too many choices, they’re a safe bet.”
How do you think theatre can influence the audience and change their outlook on life?
“I think theatre can definitely change people’s lives. Firstly, most people talk too much and the theatre is one of those places where you just have to shut up and listen. Good writing, like Chekhov’s, that doesn’t moralise or shove politics down your throat, but shows life for what it is. Living through these stories gives us a chance to change our perceptions, to understand something about others or ourselves. These deep experiences that people often talk about in the theatre, where you can process a lifetime’s worth of emotions in two hours and be left to ponder for weeks, years (without anyone actually getting married or moving away or dying)… these can have a profound effect on your life and ultimately the world.”
The stage is set and the anticipation is palpable as THE PLAYGROUND THEATRE and ART THEATRE LONDON proudly present The Lady with the Dog, featuring the remarkable performances of James and Anya Viller. We invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre and witness the magic unfold from 13th to 18th February. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the Viller duo’s captivating portrayal of characters whose passion and longing transcend the boundaries of time. Reserve your seats now and be part of an unforgettable evening of artistry, emotion, and the timeless appeal of Chekhov’s masterpiece.
