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Interviews
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Playing in a Modern History Play Velda Harris talks to Hattie Morahan about her role in David Hare's Plenty at Sheffield Crucible Studio Hattie Morahan will be appearing at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, in the first of three plays by David Hare, as part of a retrospective on his long and distinguished career. In Plenty, written in 1978, she plays Susan Traherne, whose life experience is tracked over three decades, from her early experience as an SOE courier in wartime France to her confused, dysfunctional existence in London in 1962. Morahan's own career is extensive and varied. Her theatre work ranges from classics (Shakespeare, Euripides, Chekhov) to costume dramas and modern plays. She has also appeared on film, radio and TV (Sense and Sensibility and currently, Larkrise to Candleford). On approaching a role in a modern 'history' playResearch is important. I had to research into the world of the play. I had to find out about the SOE, the war in France and Suez. Discussion in rehearsals is important and the director is crucial in making links between the personal narratives and the global situation. I try to learn the part prior to rehearsals to that I can concentrate on the emotional line. 'This is an intricate creature we're trying to materialise'. On David Hare as a writerI don't think this is an overtly political play. There is an emotional story to play, which is set against national decisions. David creates 'a unique line' between the experience of individuals and the politics. 'These are snapshots of real life - of bright people'. It was important to talk to David about the way women who broke conventions were regarded in the 40s and 50s. He has written scenes which are intentionally ambiguous. The audience will have to make its mind up. This is a 'funny play' about human awkwardness On the themes/issues raised in the playLying /telling the truth is an important issue. Is it better to lie or to tell the truth? The play deals with a national lie - over Suez. And the diplomats in the play are presented as living a constant lie. On a personal level, the play deals with how to be true to yourself. Is growing up or growing older compromising? On the role of SusanThis is a woman who 'explodes conventions'. She is honest. She makes it clear to Mick, the Cockney black marketeer, she only wants sex with him in order to have a baby, and when this doesn't happen, she wants no further contact. Her easiest relationship in the play is with promiscuous Alice, who also explodes conventions. The most complex relationship is with her husband, Brock. She has 'a love affair' with Brock, but is driven mad by him. Plenty is at the Crucible Studio from Thurs 3 - Sat 26 Feb, 2011. The other plays in the David Hare Season are Racing Demon at the Crucible Theatre (10 Feb - 5 Mar) and The Breath of Life at the Lyceum (16 -26 Feb). The Showroom Cinema in Sheffield is also having a David Hare Season showing his screen plays for several films.
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