Spotlight: Max Barton
As the end of the academic year approaches, Varsity speaks to Cambridge’s brightest theatrical talents about their influences, experiences and prospects. First up, Max Barton.
Max has directed numerous shows during his time at Cambridge, including a two-week run of 'Noises Off' at the ADC last term and the European Theatre Group tour of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in 2009. He is also directing 'The Curse of Macbeth', which goes to the Edinburgh Festival this summer.
What, and how, was your first experience of Cambridge theatre?
My first experience of Cambridge Theatre was directing the Freshers' Late Show at the ADC, Bedroom Farce. It was an awesome way of getting to know how the Cambridge theatre scene operates, and also a chance to meet a whole range of like-minded people. I reckon it was a wise decision to get involved with such a fun, innuendo-filled play as it allowed us all to do some good-quality theatre but still feel like we were having a proper fresher experience.
What has been your proudest theatrical moment here?
It's really difficult to say what my proudest moment is because I'm proud of every show I've done here, but I guess the most unique experience I had was directing Hamlet in the real Elsinore castle in Denmark. The opportunity to produce the first ever promenade production that used the whole castle is absolutely unbeatable and it gave insights into the play that I don't believe could be gained in any other way.
Do you have any theatrical plans for the future?
Absolutely. I am taking the MfA in directing at Birkbeck in London where I will train in drama schools and professional theatres with a view to becoming a professional director.
Who is your biggest influence?
Realistically, I think my biggest theatrical influence has to be my father. There are clearly loads of theatre practitioners from whom I've learned a lot, whether by reading their books, talking to them or watching their plays, but since I was two or three years old I would be in the rehearsal room watching my dad direct and, without that, I find it hard to believe that I would be in the same position as I am now.
What advice would you give to people getting into the Cambridge theatre scene now?
My main advice would be to ignore the politics of the theatre scene, don't put too much emphasis on reviews and concentrate on making theatre that you're excited about. Despite what people say about elitism, the opportunities for putting on and being in plays at Cambridge are enormous. All the clubs, societies and theatres have completely open application processes. If you don't get chosen, just try again the next term, and if your application is good enough you will be able to put your show on somewhere. I've had several applications turned down but never let it stop me applying again. More than once I have heard someone on a diatribe about how difficult it is to put on a show, only to later admit that they have never even applied to do one.
Next in the Spotlight: Abi Tedder
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