Crock of gold is shining example
By Grainne McLoughlin
Simon Startin is a playwright with a difference. He has taken James Stephens’s inspirational piece of Irish literature Crock Of Gold, and adapted it to transform the darkness of London’s public spaces, in an outdoor theatre performance. He talks to Grainne McLoughlin about how he pulled it off.
 Simon Startin has brought to the stage an adaptation of the Crock Of Gold penned in 1912 by James Stephens. But it’s an adaptation with an original concept.
The play, which is shown as an outdoor promenade performance, will be performed at twilight and is described as an adventurous excursion in a dreamlike experience.
But how difficult was it to adapt what’s essentially a very verbose and extravagant novel?
“Well, it was difficult in the sense that you’ve got to be true to the spirit of it. But the actual novel itself doesn’t have a strong strand of story running through it. It’s more about Stephens’ philosophical musings, which is of course a vehicle for contact with the reader. But that contact is very different between a playwright and the audience.
“So I concentrated on sharpening it as a story to be honest.
“In terms of the actual production, all you have to do is give the audience a reason to move at the end of each scene.
“It’s all about keeping a dramatic impetus going, and that’s a playwright’s job anyway.”
As with the novel, the play — at which the heart of it is simply a bad marriage — is supposed to provide something of a mystical experience. Startin playfully describes his adaptation as Disney meets Beckett.
The actor-cum-playwright’s second professional play, Crock Of Gold is about a philosopher who’s stuck in his head. He’s annoying his wife and children but finally he comes to realise that he should get out of his head and experience real life.
And those who got to experience Startin’s play in real-life proved to be very impressed. After it ran for a limited summer period, Startin — who started out as an actor before making the transition to scripting — is already working on his next project.
“I’ve been commissioned to write a play for a disabled company called Grey Eye Theatre Company. That’s where I’ve come from and that’s what I love doing to be honest. I want to give disabled people a voice.”
Acknowledging the world of arts being a difficult industry, Startin — who admits to being conceived in Ireland — said it’s all about hard work.
“You wouldn’t be able to survive in this industry without an equal measure of luck and talent. Although in saying that, you can have good luck without talent but certainly talent will win out eventually.”
And there’s no doubt what the ratio of luck to talent is here. Crock Of Gold is an exciting and lyrical script, which has been adapted beautifully for the outdoor stage.
Startin gets up close and personal with rí-rá revealing his favourite programme, the key to making it as a playwright and his most desirable date.
What was the last album you bought?
I can’t actually remember the last album I bought.
What TV programme would you not miss?
The Simpsons definitely.
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
It would have to be my children.
The key to making it as an actor/playwright?
More than anything else, perseverance and luck. And obviously talent. What’s your greatest ambition?
To have no regrets in my life.
Favourite method of relaxation?
I’d say going to the pub, drinking lots of beer and generally just falling over.
The most important lesson life has taught you?
Everything passes Humanity’s most useful invention?
The movie maker. What’s your favourite tipple?
Ale/guinness What’s your greatest extravagance?
Fast cars.
How would you like to be remembered?
I don’t know whether I’d like to be.
Most desirable date?
The next one.
What is your favourite smell?
Orange peel and vinegar Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Playing the part of Father Christmas in a nightclub.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Give Me Sunshine. Three films you’d most like to have starred in?
Star Wars, for the money. I’d also like to have been the rabbit in Harvey and I’d really like to be in a kids movie so that they could see me on TV. |
