This month, Riding Lights Theatre’s production of Mistero Buffo begins its run at Friargate Theatre, as part of this year’s York Mystery Plays Fringe. We caught up with stars Thomas Frere and Cathy Sara to talk power, profit, and playing two-handers…
Why is Mistero Buffo such a good fit for the York Mystery Plays Festival?
TOM: I guess that it mirrors some of the Bible stories that are told in the medieval mystery plays, which were often told in an irreverent, topical way to the audience of the day. Mistero Buffo does the same with famous Bible stories, such as the Wedding at Cana, but gives them a modern spin.
CATHY: What a joy it will be to be part of this great tradition in York! Mistero Buffo is a fabulous fit because our play’s author, Dario Fo, draws on medieval mystery traditions but challenges perspectives, and helps audiences to apply themes to their modern-day lives.
These themes include power, profit and hypocrisy. Why do those ideas continue to resonate with audiences?
CATHY: Those three words often provoke a sense of injustice. I think we are wired to respond emotionally when we see power abused; profit at the expense of the vulnerable; and hypocrisy enrages us, especially when coupled with power and profit! Some of us respond with action, some with words, some with feelings, but I think it is a universal human instinct which stirs us passionately.
TOM: At a time when equality is being diminished globally, the gap between rich and poor grows at an ever-increasing rate, and war rages around the globe, Dario Fo’s line “I will show you how conceited are the bigshots who go around making wars in which we are the only ones who get slaughtered” rings with truth and understanding.
Sorry, almost started ranting there, but you did ask…
You both play multiple characters in the show. What are the biggest challenges that come with performing a two-hander?
CATHY: The switches are going to be really fun when the characters come thick and fast. It will be a challenge to make those transitions look effortless, but they also bring joy for an actor, as they draw out playfulness and agility.
TOM: The challenge here is clarity; making the audience hear all the voices and be able to distinguish characters from each voice. Plus, we’re playing well-known characters from the Bible, so despite its irreverent nature in places, we don’t want to alienate or offend.
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
CATHY: To have laughed and cried, been entertained, challenged and inspired. I guess, ultimately, I want to send people out with hope!
TOM: I hope there’s enough wit, satire and bite in the text (and hopefully in our performances!) to give our audience something to think about on the way home…
Mistero Buffo runs from 27 June – 4 July at Friargate Theatre. Visit www.ticketsource.com/friargatetheatre/mistero-buffo/e-jzmgyv for tickets.
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