Sam Jenkins-Shaw talks upcoming play ‘Mrs. President’: “It’s a privilege to play a man who himself was disabled just like me”

The Charing Cross Theatre looks across the pond to bring one of the most prominent episodes of American history through a completely different set of eyes. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of the show’s leads, to learn all the facts about this new piece dealing with the woman standing with the man that stood right.

How does it feel to be starring in this new historical play dealing with one of the most stirring chapters in American history?

It’s always a privilege to work on new writing, and this play in particular has a lot to say about issues that need discussing today: the role and treatment of women in society; how we view the notion of celebrity, especially in politics; how art and the media can, to a greater or lesser extent, control the narrative and perspective we have on people.

What, would you say, makes this piece stand out in comparison to other historical dramas?

This is not your average period piece. John’s play is mercurial in how it plays with time, perspective, control and characterization.

What sort of preparation have you undergone to interpret this real-life character?

In terms of research, I’ve done a deep dive on Mathew Brady and his life, mainly through a great book called Portraits of a Nation by Robert Wilson. This helps me get a sense of the man and the world he inhabited; his ambitions, his faults, and how he was perceived. In addition to this, I’ve tried to get my hands on as many copies of Brady’s photographs as possible and it’s been so inspiring to see just how talented he was.

To stimulate my imagination, I really love watching films. They’re so evocative! I’ve rewatched Lincoln (2012), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Free State of Jones (2016) to get a sense of the place and time in which our play is (generally…) set. Also, I’ve been muttering John’s words to myself around parks in South London for a few months to really get to grips with this knotty and specific piece!

How would you describe your approach to the character?

My approach to any character will vary slightly on each production, but I always come back to the basic questions and try to answer them as clearly as possible: Who am I? What do I want? How do I intend to get it? What gives me the need to speak? What’s my relationship with the other characters and myself? Mathew Brady was also visually impaired – a characteristic I share with him. It’s a privilege to play a man who himself was disabled just like me.

As a performer, does the fact that the play is written as a two-hander pose as a  challenge?

Absolutely! Miriam (Grace Edwards, my co-star) and I never really leave the stage! However this is also incredibly exciting and a great opportunity. We will get the chance to play, listen and explore each night and hopefully create the piece afresh for every new audience. Miriam is so alive and present, I am very much looking forward to our duet each night, so to speak.

Why come see Mrs. President?

People should come and support this great piece of new writing which puts some really interesting historical figures at its centre, and asks big questions but doesn’t deign to give any concrete answers. We have a majority female team headed by Bronagh Lagan whose work is always fresh and exciting. Plus it’s around 85 minutes long!

Production pictures credit to Pamela Raith.

Mrs. President will play at London’s Charing Cross Theatre from 31 January to 16 March. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara