Theatre Renaissance man Russell Fletcher isn’t afraid of exposing himself to ridicule by getting on stage in Celebrity Theatresports, the improvisation show where characters, story and plot are all up for grabs. “I’ve had a lifetime of it,” he says. Fletcher performs in as well as hosting Celebrity Theatresports, the annual improvisation event on the last Saturday of MICF.
“It’s a small privilege,’ he says of hosting the Celebrity Theatresports, “being in amongst the ridiculous and the ridicule.” The hardest thing about putting the show together is not the random and unpredictable nature of improvisation, Fletcher says that as a performer he loves being terrified, but rather it’s in persuading other people to perform. “I keep coming back to improv,” he says. “But getting celebrities to commit to it is a challenge. So many of my actor friends would be fantastic in Theatresports but people are terrified.” Fletcher wishes more talent would push themselves, as one of the joys in Theatresports is seeing people realise just what they are capable of. “I love to see artists surprise themselves,” he says. “That light bulb moment of seeing what’s possible when they’ve pulled something out of themselves they didn’t know that they had. It’s that saying: ‘a brilliant mind in panic is a wonderful thing to see.’”
The nature of improvisation makes singular demands on a performer, notes Fletcher. “There is no take two. You use your whole body; when it fails you have to be a good sport about losing your dignity in front of 800 people. Everyone should be made to do it!” Once you lose the fear of making an arse of yourself on stage, Fletcher says, anything is possible. “Improvisation is a muscle. It does require training.” Having a sense of humour is the most important thing in forging a strong sense of self, Fletcher reckons. “What is the worst thing about failing?” he asks. “You come on stage, you suck; you smile. No child has died, no animal has been harmed. The only thing harmed is your sense of dignity.” Improvisation is a good antidote to the poison of self-consciousness so prevalent in the world of social media, Fletcher thinks. “Everyone’s commenting, no-one’s taking action.” Fletcher reckons there is lack of sense of humour in right wing forces, if the last question time in parliament when Bronwyn Bishop told people off for laughing was anything to go by. “It speaks of a lack of flexibility in minds,” he notes.
2014’s Celebrity Theatresports has attracted two young stars of Neighbours, James Mason and Calem Mack. Fletcher has a list of performers he loves to have on the show but not everyone is available at the right time. “Julia Zemiro, Kevin Harrington…he’s one of our best character actors but he’s underemployed. He says ‘yes’ immediately. Artists should be seen as heroes.”
Fletcher dons many performing hats – he’s as, actor, improviser, director, writer and Master of Ceremonies. “I’ve been very busy over the last 15 years, working in community theatre as well as with the luminaries. “I produce theatre that may not have big names involved.” He reckons performance keeps him young. Has he any advice for an aspiring performer? “Only the same thing everyone will tell you,” he says. “Find your passion. Follow your bliss. Get out there and try things. You’ve got to be brave. If you fail you’ve had a really good lesson. Adapt your performance skills. There are lots of improvisation companies in Melbourne. Find a good teacher, a good mentor, someone you connect with. But if it’s not fun, don’t do it. If you don’t have joy and passion, give someone else a go.”
BY LIZA DEZFOULI
Venue: The National Theatre, Barkly St, St Kilda
Date: April 19
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: $20-$35