In Conversation with Francis Greenslade

Following three postponements and more than four years in the making, When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell finally takes the stage at Theatre Works this March! Australia’s much loved actor Francis Greenslade takes a brief moment to reflect on the highly anticipated return of this Australian classic. Q: What was your initial response after your first read of When the Rain Stops Falling? A: What a beautiful complex, moving, far reaching, monumental play it was. And how much I wanted to do it. Q: How do you approach your character-building process? A: I try not to do too much before the start of rehearsals. I don’t want to come with any lines learnt or any preconceptions. I want to be influenced by what is happening in the rehearsal room. I think, sometimes we get too obsessed about ‘character’. If you’ve assimilated the given circumstances and are responding truthfully then that’s really the job done. Often character is something imposed upon you by the audience. Q: What can you tell us about the non-linear structure of the play? A: A lot of the joy of this play comes from working out what is happening and when. So – nothing. Spoilers. Q: Are there any themes in the play that personally resonate with you? A: The idea that whatever you do has an enormous effect on not only your children but also grandchildren, whether they’re aware of it or not. What it means to be a father. Q: If you could capture the essence of When the Rain Stops Falling with a song or a piece of music, what would it be? A: A mash up of ‘Deeper Water’ by Paul Kelly, The Temptations ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone’ and The Eurythmics ‘Here Comes the Rain Again.’ WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING By Andrew Bovell 2-18 March | Theatre Works