In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast and director of To Kill a Mockingbird at Rockville Little Theatre. Meet Kevin Page.
Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on local stages.
Why did you want to appear in this production of To Kill a Mockingbird?
I was excited to get back to being on stage and I love drama. Wait, I meant to say I like to create my own drama on stage; there is enough drama elsewhere.
Who do you play in the show and how do you personally relate to your character?
I play Reverend Sykes; fitting that I am the director of our Kidz ministry, so definitely know church and speak Reverend fluently.
What is To Kill a Mockingbird about from the point of view of your character?
For me, Reverend Sykes, this story is about truth and justice. Everyone KNOWS the truth, but society dictates what is right and what is wrong more so than the laws of the land.
What scene or scenes were the most difficult to learn and why?
The balcony scene was more difficult because I have conversations with different characters and have to maintain balance between those angered by the white kids sitting in the ‘colored section’ and making the kids feel comfortable enough to want to stay.
Which scene or scenes moves you the most? And why?
The scene that moves me the most is Bob Ewell testifying. Very intense and clear that he orchestrated this entire fabrication. He is full of hatred and will stop at nothing to cover up his fallacies of being a loving father.
Why is this show relevant for today’s theatregoers?
The show is about racism and the stigma of not wanting to address it. At the time of the show (early 1930’s) no one was every willing to voice their opinion. With recent events in the news, racial tensions are at a higher level than in previous years. Unlike the 30’s, everyone is quick to voice their opinion; however, they only do so by hiding behind social media. No one wants to really sit in a room and talk about it.
What have you learned about yourself as a person and an actor while learning and rehearsing your role?
I learned that it is important to embrace your roots. As I rehearse, I think about what was going on at the time and how the rights and freedoms that I have now came at the cost of many Tom Robinsons. I picture the silent protests and the marches on Washington and Selma.
What was the best advice your director gave you on preparing and playing your character?
Read stories and articles about your character written by others. That has helped me prepare for my role.
For those people who love the film, what is different about the stage version and why should they come see it live on the stage?
There are a few comical spots to lighten the mood, but if they truly want to experience what the tension was like in the courtroom, they need to come see this show!
What do you want audiences to take with them after seeing you perform in To Kill a Mockingbird?
That regardless of how this trial ends (and we all know how it does), there are similar trials going on today. Our justice system has come a long way, but has a long way to go. Racism may always be prevalent, but you can certainly do your part and educate others. Don’t let society dictate to you what is right and what is wrong.
To Kill a Mockingbird plays from April 24 to May 3, 2015 at Rockville Little Theatre performing at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre at The Rockville Civic Center- 603 Edmonston Drive, in Rockville MD. For tickets, call the box office at (240) 314-8690, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ at Rockville Little Theatre: Part 1: Nancy Lark.
Meet the Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ at Rockville Little Theatre: Part 2: Kieran Duffy.
Meet the Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ at Rockville Little Theatre: Part 3: Stuart Rick.
Meet the Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ at Rockville Little Theatre: Part 4: Kevin Page.
