Alt spoke to Anita-Joy Uwajeh who stars as Roxane opposite James McAvoy, previous credits include the recent critically acclaimed English Touring Theatre’s tour of Two Trains Running and King Lear at Duke of York’s Theatre.
The play- Fierce with a pen and notorious in combat, Cyrano almost has it all – if only he could win the heart of his true love. There’s just one big problem: he has a nose as huge as his heart. Will a society engulfed by narcissism get the better of De Bergerac – or can his mastery of language set Roxane’s world alight?
- Who your character Roxane?
Roxane is a young woman who love literatures, poetry and words. And she wants to be swept off her feet by this.
- What is unique to this love story?
There is no happy ending even though everything that needs to be revealed is.
- What do you like about Roxane and what do you dislike?
Love her fearlessness her ability to get what she wants. I dislike the fact she is essentially in love with Christian because of how he looks rather than for who he is inside. But that’s what makes her real because she is flawed like we all are.
- Tell us about the relationship with Cyrano (McAvoy).
Cyrano is her long-time family-friend/cousin. Who she confides in and seeks advise and encouragement from.
- What is it like working alongside McAvoy?
A dream come true. James is a craftsman and really explores the character from all angles it’s truly inspiring to watch and work alongside someone like this. He is also an ensemble member and leads us as a company rather than individuals. It’s beautiful.
- Were you familiar with Edmond Rostand’s work prior to this?
I was not familiar with Edmond Rostand, but I think Cyrano de Bergerac is a such a rich complex beautiful play.
- How close to the original it the adaptation?
Unfortunately, I haven’t read the original. However, from the conversations that we had with Martin Crimp who wrote the adaptation, this adaptation is translated directly from the original.
- How did you get started in acting what was your first job?
Well I trained at Drama Centre London in King Cross and about 6 months after that I booked my first job which was a film.
- How do you as an actor approach or prepare for a role?
Great question! Firstly, I read the whole script and then I go through it again and dissect it bit by bit. Then I start to build my character from the information I gather from the script. Depending on the work I might reference other art forms like music or paintings for inspiration.
Full cast list:
James McAvoy, Anita-Joy Uwajeh, Eben Figueiredo, Michele Austin, Adam Best, Sam Black, Nari Blair-Mangat, Philip Cairns, Tom Edden, Chris Fung, Adrian Der Gregorian, Carla Harrison-Hodge, Seun Shote, Kiruna Stamell, Nima Taleghani, Vaneeka Dadhria, Mika Johnson and Brinsley Terence.
The play runs until 29th Feb 2020. Tickets
