It was very nice to see actor friends Raye Birk and Bob Davis, from the Guthrie with Mark Rylance in Nice Fish at St. Ann’s warehouse in New York.
You know the old chestnut about scientists once proving that bumble bees couldn’t fly?
Well from a reductionist world-view perspective Mark Rylance is to acting as a bumble bee is to flight. In other words, on paper, from an engineering point of view, he shouldn’t fly …
It may seem ungenerous to say it, but although his face shows character, knowledge, wisdom even, he is in the classical sense, as the saying goes, “No oil painting”. Don’t get me wrong, he knows how to be attractive, but isn’t it the form amongst Oscar winners of both genders an improbably high level of good looks? And vocally … Rylance has a trained voice and an expert technique, but it’s not, as one critic said of Eleanora Duse, “like listening to a rose petal”. Off stage he appears taller than on.
But he does. The man flies.
There is a centered sensitivity about his work … an oblique observational lens … a human understanding of the conditions … a quotidian magic … It’s kind of hard to describe, so those words will just have to do …
Nice Fish is a storytelling piece structured around the prose poems of Minnesota poet, Louis Jenkins. The production is full of invention and humor, and, it appears to be about that niche activity — ice-fishing?!?
13 replies on “How Does He Do That … ?”
Having worked at the Globe many moons ago marketing shows and in the box office I remember Marilyn Sarrington (his go to CSM and more) describing him perfectly – ‘my alien’
Says it all !
Oops, trying this again. He starred in the first show I ever did in NYC. It was also the best thing I ever did, the closest I have ever come to a spiritual experience doing theatre. The Times gave him a bad review.
Lucky you!
it’s worth listening to him on Desert Island Discs archive on the BBC. He is different, very different, and compelling.
Great! I will search for it. Thanks!
I saw Mark Rylance in Le Bete on Broadway — he was astounding. My friend who was in the show told us of how every evening before the show, Mark would have a net strung up in the theatre — in the seats! And the whole cast would play volleyball … with a twist. Everyone on your side had to hit the ball before it went over the net. It fostered teamwork and being in the moment. I met him in the make-up trailer on the set of Bridge of Spies, and he could not have been nicer or more down to earth. Though I was playing a tiny part, he treated me like he treats everyone — with kindness and respect. Needless to say, I’m a huge fan!
Hope you and Trish are happy & well.
xx Henny
________________________________
I endorse all that, I met him for a minute or so … he connects. Didn’t know you were in Bridge of Spies – excellent. Haven’t seen it yet, looking forward…
âThere is a centered sensitivity about his work …
an oblique observational lens …
a quotidian magic … It’s kind of hard to describe, so those words will just have to doâ
Apparently NOT so hard to describeâ¦You are such a gifted writer. That made me want to see the play. Somebody hire you to write all reviews from now on. xo
âThere is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has comeâ âVictor Hugo
Theda Reale
House Manager
Volunteer Coordinator
Group Sales
561-514-4042 x107
http://www.palmbeachdramaworks.org
[LogoForEmail]
Hey Theda, will you be my Sth Florida agent? Love, Colin
Yes, my knowledge of Rylance’s body work is negligible; however, as far as this year’s AA for BSA goes, T. Hardy should have won it hands down.
Thanks for your comment. If you get a chance to see Rylance please do so. It’s worth traveling for!
Will do, especially after reading the fantastic things said about him here. Great post.