FORMER EASTENDERS STAR JAMES ALEXANDROU FEATURES IN DNA AT PLYMOUTH’S DRUM THEATRE
A recognisable play and very recognisable face are coming to The Drum in Plymouth at the beginning in February. DNA was first written by Dennis Kelly as part of the National Theatre’s Connections project but since that time has become a core set text on the GCSE English syllabus. 247 spoke to actor James Alexandrou about his role in the new touring product of this play and how it differed from his previous role as Martin Fowler in Eastenders…
Tell us about the play…
What I really like about the play is that it doesn’t feel the need to talk down to a younger audience. There’s a tendency for writers to think people who are fourteen or fifteen have no idea about who they are or life in general.
You don’t think this is the case?
Oh no. I’ve been thinking about it quite deeply since we began the rehearsals for this tour and I think the situation is almost the other way around. When you’re fourteen you actually do think you know it all and, if you cast your mind back, it’s a time in your life when you really do need to be sure of who you are and where your place in the world is.
Do you think it’s a critical point in life then?
Definitely. I’m actually the oldest person in this cast, which is a really unusual place for me to be based on my other work, but it gives me chance to really consider my character. I think fourteen could well be the last time in your life when you’re not afraid to look at the big picture. See the world how it is and really consider your place in it. At fourteen you’re not afraid to talk about the universe.
Do you think we stop doing that afterward?
Well, we try but let’s face it, as you get older you just tend to get on with life. This role has reminded me what it was like to question and take chances.
So in that way, it’s not just a play for teenagers?
No it’s a play for everyone. I think teenagers will get a real kick out of it as it doesn’t patronise them and it says something about their lives. Having said though, I think an older audience will find themselves looking back over times in their lives and the choices they made. It really has something to say for anyone in the audience.
So the plot of the play allows for some real examination of our make up as people . . . Our DNA I guess you could say?
That’s right. The storyline crashes the youngsters into a situation which literally becomes life and death. The situation changes quickly from harmless fun, bunking off school and drinking vodka, to a conspiracy to cover up something terrible which they’re all responsible for. There’s no luxury for them to be kids anymore. This is serious adult stuff with adult consequences that they have to face up to. Anyone coming to see this show, whatever age they may be, is going to get an interesting taste of what life is all about.
DNA is running from Feb 1st until Feb 4th 2012 at The Drum, Plymouth. More info at www.theatreroyal.com
