MARK RYLANCE in conversation with PETER THOMSON about MIKE ALFREDS

SIR MARK RYLANCE is a renowned and highly respected stage and screen actor. Mark worked with MIKE ALFREDS at the NATIONAL THEATRE, and later at the GLOBE THEATRE, when Mark was artistic director. Here he talks candidly and in fascinating detail about his work with Mike - its challenges and rewards, and what he has taken with him into all his subsequent work.

[@lisagoldman4511]

Mark Rylance - such a beautiful loving spirit. What an inspiring conversation. Thanks so much Peter for creating this remarkable series.

[@vaishalichakravarty5950]

This is absolutely invaluable! Thank you for this discussion

[@grahamwatts]

Wow! This should be all over the internet. I don't think I've ever heard Mark talk about the craft of acting before, certainly not over such an absorbing 90 minutes. This is no hagiography although it remains totally respectful. Observations such as "The search for different every night can become as reductive as the same every night" give a new perspective. The last 20 minutes (when they thought the camera was off) are a revalation!

[@Mataharifilms]

Pressing “like”, pressing “subscribe”. Grateful for this rich exchange. Never worked with Mike but have with Mark & Sian. None more collaborative or generous with a director. HB

[@raadrawi5742]

Wonderfully deep. Thank you Peter and Mark for an extraordinary insight into an extraordinary man.

[@christomkinson1381]

More profoundly useful insights, and somewhat answers my question about his approach to lazi/comic scenes.

[@richhasnip5374]

thank you so much for these talks Peter. Really appreciate all the time you must have taken over all this. They will be such a treasure trove for theatre researchers for a long time to come. Thank you.

[@peterthomson8878]

Thanks Rich. It's been a pleasure to do. Peter

[@traceymorgan133]

Fascinating ❤

[@SophiePeterActing]

This is so great. Some BIG Truths on acting and the actor's PROCESS and working to BE... PRESENT with one's fellow actor and not "over-intellectualizing,' trusting that the dynamic exchanges between actors will bring the text and the characters to LIFE! Wonderful!!!

[@robertwray6004]

Such a wonderful interview, and as others have said, the generosity/kindness of spirit, of sharing, made the talk of craft very moving on both your parts. Perhaps if you interview Mark again, you could narrow the focus to one or two, maybe three specific performances and go into more detail with those. Mark's Hamlet for instance, of which I've only seen bits and pieces but which by all accounts was one for the ages, would be fascinating to hear about and how he built/discovered that role. Anyway, great job!

[@neilmcgarry3579]

This was wonderful! Thank you Peter! I am so glad you couldn't figure out if you were recording or not. After an already illuminating interview, you both thought you were 'off' and opened up and talked in just a little more of a heartfelt way - like a door opening a bit further for Mark. Being able to see, with real love and hindsight, the true complexities of this amazing relationship and collaboration. Thank you!

[@hollysmithvent176]

Peter this is wonderful. Loved every minute of this xx

[@thesimonhaines]

Loved it, Peter. Thank you!

[@simonratcliffe2765]

Is Nick Darke the name you wanted for the proposed 3rd play at NT? Playwright and Cornishman.

[@peterthomson8878]

I think it is/was. I'll confirm that with Mike - thank you for that.

[@mikealfreds7504]

It was Nick Ward, Simon.