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21/08/2018

Three hours till Opening and last but certainly not least we’d like to introduce you to John Ulu as Gary Cooper in

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

Born and raised in Samoa by his single mother Teuila and aunty Salamoana, Gary Cooper is a young and handsome Samoan man. Holding onto a vast amount of knowledge about the people of Hollywood, Gary has dreamed of becoming a movie star like his father, Gary Cooper.

Gary is the only character in the play that exists in all three times; 1950’s, 1970’s and the 2000’s. Each time we see Gary in a different time setting, we learn a new piece of information about the character(s).

Throughout the Rehearsal process I’ve been learning a lot about what I am capable of as an actor and what areas I need to work on. It’s been a joyous experience working with only this small segment of the class as we recently finished a devised show where it was all 19 of us. Approaching a play of this caliber written by one of the many prominent playwrights in New Zealand is a challenging but a much appreciated step in my training as an actor. I wish to keep searching for roles that provide me with those experiences.

The biggest challenge for me (and still is) was getting over the fear of playing a character that is so complex. My strong suit as an actor is awkward comedy and going into a character that operates on the opposite side of the spectrum is somewhat and still is a challenge for me.

20/08/2018

Introducing Mariarangi Carkeek as Teuila in

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

Teuila is a 20 year old Samoan Taupou who falls madly in love with a white stills photographer who visited Samoa in the 1950’s whilst working on an Gary Cooper movie. Thanks to this love, all that is ‘Teuila’ slowly starts to unravel. She believes with all her heart in the promised freedom that is L.A.

Teuila is based in a 1950’s Samoa. When traditional laws were very strict. Lefaga beach however was thought of as paradise to palagi people.

My biggest challenge during this process has been finding Teuila’s blind passion for Nick. Infatuation and absolute dependence on a male has been a challenge for me to find truthfully.

During this process I’ve had to completely adopt a different culture, although Samoan and Maori are very similar it has actually made it harder trying to make the switch. Lately however I’ve found a love and dedication to this character because of the growth I’ve noticed in my craft.

I think this show is right up the alley of what teenagers are drawn to these days; s*x, deceit and revenge There’s so many twists and turns you almost wish you could go back to the starting five minutes of the piece where you could breathe freely. Honestly this play is amazing and I’m confident in the cast’s ability to do the story justice.

19/08/2018

Introducing Chris King as Nick White in

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

“Feeling disconnected from his family Nick White finds solace in a young stranger, Gary Cooper. He takes pleasure in being able to share his love of photography with him and rediscover his fond memories of his time in Samoa. A time before the relentless film industry diluted his talent and tired him out.

LA 1973s Where the hair was long and the skirts were short. The birth of disco. Coming off the end of the vietnam war the american people were plunged into a new world where s*xuality was becoming more fluid and the rules were being broken.

I love the deception in this play, the more you delve into the story the more lies and secrets are uncovered. I love learning more about the characters as they learn more about themselves.

It’s been a privilege to work on a Victor Roger play. Fleshing out these characters and building relationships in the interlocking story over three time periods and working with such a talented director and cast has made this process so much more enjoyable and insightful.”

18/08/2018

Introducing Hannah Maison as Connie in

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

"Connie is from the golden age of Hollywood, a slightly bitter never-quite-made-it starlet from the Midwest. Now an alcoholic wife & mother who spends her days floating around her Beverly Hills home. She is constantly searching for an honest connection which is near impossible after years of becoming used to insincerity. I am absolutely in love with her! She has a kind soul with a childlike curiosity which makes her such a joy to play.

Los Angeles, 1973. The Vietnam war is coming to an end, Marlon Brando boycotted the Academy Awards, the first handheld cellular device was made and a worldwide telecast of Elvis live in Hawaii scored more viewers than the moon landing. It’s been incredible playing in this era - the language, clothing and music has allowed us to really feel like we are in the early 70’s and I know I’m really going to miss it when it’s over!"

16/08/2018

Welcome to Los Angeles, 1973! This week the Gary Cooper cast are in full swing, costumes and all! Don't miss out on this hillarious yet tragic piece, opening next Tuesday at Bats! https://www.facebook.com/events/209556396559873/ Book now!

15/08/2018

Introducing Aishani as T in '

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

I play the character Teresa, though everyone calls her T. She is half Samoan, 26 years old, and studying at the University of California. She’s lived in L.A all her life, and has always been curious to learn more about her Samoan background.
In Auckland in the year 2000, T is at the cinema to see the movie Return To Paradise, one of her all-time favourites! For a thesis at UCLA, she is researching Polynesian representation in cinema. At this screening, she has hopes of interviewing others on how they feel Samoans were represented in the film.

For me, one of the biggest struggles in the rehearsal process has definitely been the Californian accent! It is so different to our own so it has taken a lot of practice to get it feeling more natural.

I think this play is very relevant to us today as so much of our world is impacted largely by Hollywood and media, just as much as it did many decades ago. My Name is Gary Cooper is a hard-hitting reminder that 'Hollywood has a lot to answer for!'

11/08/2018

Introducing Ethan-Kai Robson as Joel White in

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

Joel is a loving caring 20 year old who is half of a set of twins. A shy optimist at heart who just wants people to enjoy life. L.A in 1973, a time when the biggest thing in the world was Elvis playing his Hawaii concert on national television. Here he finds himself taking on each day as it comes, trying to keep the peace with his sister, and figuring out who he is.
Working scenes with my on stage family has been hilarious. Getting to know our characters through the way we interact as a family unit, quirks and all, has given us room to really play on stage. We often stay in character off the floor as they’re so familiar to us now. We will do scenes with the entire family that often turn into everyone laughing and ganging up on each other in some way or another.

A big challenge I have faced during this process is making sure the subtle layers of Joel are readable to an audience. Joel is a very complex guy. With the daily struggle of dealing with his twin sister and being at the impressionable age of 20, the events of the play really do take him on a roller coaster of self discovery . "Honestly, it's not my fault"

09/08/2018

Introducing Kaitlyn Weaver as Jennifer in

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

"Jen is a 20year old twin who dreams of making it big as an actress in the movie industry. She is wildly bold and her actions and words take no prisoners. Jennifer is never impressed by twin brother Joel and bickering is the norm between them. She knows what she wants and she always finds a way to get it whether it be hurting Joel or flaunting her way into the spotlight.

When Gary first enters the white’s family home Jennifer finds hilarity in the hosting game. That is until she discovers just what this mysterious man from paradise awakens in her. She is one that surely thrives off mischief even if her brother has to come along. But don’t worry she knows what she’s doing… or does she?"

07/08/2018

Introducing Sela-Emily Fiu-Poufa as Salamoana in

MY NAME IS GARY COOPER

"Salamoana is a strong character who fights for survival.
What I'm loving about the process is how much fun I am having. Seeing these three worlds and the contrast they all give to one another make it enjoyable and I find there's new things to discover all the time. I think that's why it is so much fun. Also cracking jokes, having a laugh on stage and making mistakes are the best ways to overcome fear with what struggles you might have with your character. I've never laughed so much in rehearsals, that's for sure."

06/08/2018

First sneak peak at My Name is Gary Cooper! Check in with cast members Chris, Kaitlyn & Aishani as they fill you in on the show and give you a taste of the characters you can expect to meet! Book your tickets now! https://bats.co.nz/whats-on/my-name-is-gary-cooper/

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