n Part 5 of a series of interviews with the cast of Folger Theatre’s The Second Shepherds’ Play, meet Louis E. Davis.
Sophia: Please introduce yourself to our readers. Where have we seen you recently on local stages? Tell us about that experience.
Louis: Hello there. My name is Louis E. Davis. This year you may have seen me in Theater Alliance’s Word Becomes Flesh, We Happy Few’s Chalk, and Rorschach Theatre’s A Bid to Save the World. It’s been a joy and pleasure to be a part of these productions, make new connections with wonderful artists, and be able to do what I love.
Your character, Coll, sets the tone for the entire play. How do you respond to his character as an actor? How do you approach the role? What did you learn about yourself as an actor, singer, dancer, and storyteller from performing in The Second Shepherds’ Play at the Folger?
You start with the basics of who he is and his current circumstances. He’s a leader…firm, yet kind-hearted. He loves to sing and he enjoys the companionship of his fellow shepherds, Gib and Daw. Then you take into account the circumstances such as the weather and his job. His opening monologue is full of gripe regarding the current political climate and his thoughts of “Gentry Men,” which kind of mirrors today’s climate as well. Lines such as, “The lords hold us under, they bring us to blunder, it were great wonder, if ever should we thrive” is very relatable to me.
Do you have a favorite line said by your character? Said by another character?
Yes, Coll’s line: “My foot sleeps, by Jesus.”
If Santa said he would give you any gift you want, what would that gift be? And why did you pick this gift?
Hmm, I would want him to give me the joy of debt relief – LOL.
What do you admire about how the designers help you tell Coll’s story?
The simplicity of it all. It’s not overpowering with multiple sound and light cues. It’s just us and the Folger Consort telling a humorous and heartfelt story that’s timeless.
What would you like the audience to take away from The Second Shepherds’ Play?
To just enjoy the experience. Laugh, cry, sing along if you can and journey with us.
What are you doing next on the stage?
Next you can find on stage in Mosaic Theater Company’s Charm followed by Imagination Stage’s The Freshest Snow Whyte.
The Second Shepherds’ Play plays through December 21, 2016, at The Folger Theatre – 201 East Capitol Street, SE, in Washington, DC. For tickets, call the box office at (202) 544-7077, or purchase them online.
LINKS:
Meet the Cast of ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ at Folger Theatre: Part 1: Ryan Sellers by Sophia Howes.
Meet the Cast of ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ at Folger Theatre: Part 2: Megan Graves by Sophia Howes.
Meet the Cast of ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ at Folger Theatre: Part 3: Matthew R. Wilson by Sophia Howes.
Meet the Cast of ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ at Folger Theatre: Part 4: Tonya Beckman by Sophia Howes.
Meet the Cast of ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ at Folger Theatre: Part 5: Louis E. Davis.
‘Magic Time!’ ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ at The Folger Theatre by John Stoltenberg.
Review: ‘The Second Shepherds’ Play’ at The Folger Theatre by David Siegel.
