Page 153 - Guildhall School Media Highlights Coverage Book - 2019-2020

notes, the pay trumps fringe rates).

The Importance continues Bartlett’s lifelong Wildean obsession. “I’ve always said I’d do it
when I’m old enough – my husband tactfully said, ‘Darling you’re 61, I think you should
crack on.’” He’s invigorated by young actors who ask why they should take this old play
seriously. Learning isn’t confined to the students. “Drama schools are definitely a training
ground for young directors,” Toeman declares. “You can work out your aesthetic. And the
most important thing is learning to run the room. What is the ethos of your rehearsal
room? Hopefully it’s generous and open, where everyone feels valued. As a director you
create a mini-utopia.”

A lifelong Wildean obsession … Neil Bartlett, centre, directs rehearsals for The Importance of Being
Earnest. Photograph: Linda Carter

I see utopia take shape during the Antigone rehearsal: everyone shares their preferred
pronouns before hearing a statement about responsibility, respect and how to respond if
they feel unsafe. (All Guildhall directors undergo an induction, signing up to a code of
conduct addressing nudity, smoking and violence.) Young actor Shaka Kalokoh reminds
me that these shows are pragmatic springboards into the profession. With agents and
casting directors watching (the general public can come too), students need a chance to
shine. “Everyone gets their moment,” O’Loughlin confirms; she also hopes that “if you’re
an actor of colour you get to play a character of colour”. Lewis agrees that “it’s a gift to give
students the opportunity to play within their culture”. Values shared in the crucible of a
student show will follow them into the profession. “I want them to be the pioneers,” says
O’Loughlin, “the change we all want to see.”

• The Importance of Being Earnest is at Rada, London, 12-21 March. Antigone is
at Guildhall, London, 23-26 March. Nine Night is at Lamda, London, 4-8 April.