An earnest look at Douglas theatre

The cast of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ reveals their true feelings

By Julia Siedlanowska, Staff Writer

This past week, I had the pleasure of interviewing the cast of the upcoming Douglas College production of The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde. I asked some racy questions, and received some equally racy answers. The honest responses were shocking, yet refreshing in a world where “being nice” is the societal norm.

When actor Sam Hahn, who plays the part of Algernon, was asked what some of the greatest joys were in working with the cast and director Thrasso Petras, he admitted, “I have enjoyed the entire process immensely; however, at times I can’t help but feel as though I’d rather be with my dear invalid friend Bunbury.”

Jake Brkopac (who it later turned out was in the cast of a different show) responded, “Greatest joys? No idea. I hated Shakespeare, and I don’t think I could say anything about Thrasso [Petras] and be politically correct.”

Jordy Matheson, playing the character of Jack, could not understand the question: “Joy? Hmm… I swear I’ve heard the term. Is it much like indifference?”

Although the cast likes to have fun, some of the challenges they face are very serious. Matheson recounts a terrifying experience that profoundly affected his work: “One day I came to rehearsal and my valet William had not properly prepared my 10:02 tea. He had put cream in it, of all things. My whole week was set right off.”

Others face challenges in creating their character. “It is a great challenge for me to suppress my astoundingly gentle, kind, and humble nature in order to get into the mind of Algernon,” explained Hahn.

Brkopac, who seemed entirely comfortable in the rehearsal room of a cast which he was not a part of, said that “One of the greatest challenges was encouraging the costume department to tailor my clothes to accentuate the rather large muscles on my frame. Unfortunately they didn’t want the protruding muscles to distract from the performance, so they adorned me with modest clothing.”

While I still wonder what Brkopac was doing in the room, his presence seemed no less unwelcome in the room than that of the other actors.

When asked whether or not there were any conflicts within the cast, responses were mixed. Matheson responded, “only when we speak to each other, but we avoid such unnecessary chit-chat as much as possible.”

Hahn added: “Conflicts within the cast? A cast is simply a tedious pack of people who haven’t the smallest idea how to speak to one honestly nor the slightest instinct about when to lie.”

“One big happy family!” Aylin Vandeputte (playing Cecily) screamed.

While no one in the room looked anyone else directly in the eye, Hahn cast a sidelong glance at one of his acting partners and said “the fellow playing Jack is entirely too clever for my liking. I should remove him so that my brilliance may become more evident.”

Within Wilde’s script there is a plethora of budding romances, so naturally I wanted to know if there were any within the cast.

“That is certainly none of my business and if it were my business, I wouldn’t talk about it. It is very vulgar to talk about one’s business,” responded Hahn, shaking his head.

Vandeputte was far more candid: “I’ve always had a thing for my director, Thrasso. He’s my Ernest in real life, you know. He’s smart, funny, charming, handsome, creative, and loving!”

Once again Brkopac provided insight, saying “Yeah, Sam Hahn and Jordy Matheson—don’t tell anyone though, it’s supposed to be on the DL.”

Matheson said simply, “Whoever is playing Jack is a handsome devil.”

When asked how they viewed themselves as actors, both Han and Matheson responded “in a mirror”; Matheson added that “polished metal will do in a pinch.”

Brkopac burped and said “going to Hollywood, duh,” while Vandeputte strewed a sincere 30-minute answer which we will not include.

While half the cast was available for an interview during rehearsal, the others were unfortunately visiting their mysterious friend Bunbury in the country, and were not available to comment.