MNfusion: 'The Oldest Boy' Actor Speaks On Power, Importance Of Tibetan Storytelling
Minneapolis' Jungle Theater will close out its 2015 – 2016 with the Midwest premiere of "The Oldest Boy."
The play, written by Sarah Ruhl, tells the story of a young family facing a difficult decision. An American mother and her Tibetan husband are informed that Tibetan monks believe their young son is the reincarnation of a high Buddhist Lama. The parents must then decide if they want their son to stay with them or move to India for a life of spiritual training.
Directed for Jungle Theater's artistic director Sarah Rasmussen, the show includes elements of music and puppetry.
The company also worked closely with Twin Cities' Tibetan community to ensure their depiction was truthful and compelling.
Randy Reyes, who plays Father, took some time to speak on the importance of utilizing local communities to help tell the story, as well as the importance of sharing culture to preserve it.
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Thank you for speaking with, Mr. Reyes! So, "The Oldest Boy" has some elements of puppetry in the show. Can you speak to how the puppets are used?
Reyes: There is one main puppet in the show and it represents a 3-year-old boy who is suspected to be a reincarnated lama. I play the Tibetan Father of the boy.
Wow! I didn't realize the boy was the puppet. That is quite a large part of the show. Tell me, does your character ever have to use the puppet?
Reyes: My character does not manipulate the puppet but I definitely interact with him.
What sort of challenges does that bring to the show?
Reyes: The main challenge in working with a puppet is not looking at the puppeteer when the puppet is talking. Then, engaging with the puppet as a boy and not as a puppet. There is a physical relationship that needs to be unique to my character's relationship to his son. Another challenge is giving the puppet weight when picking him up. The puppet is actually quite light and we need to act like it weighs at least 30 pounds.
I can see how all of those would be difficult to master in their own right. I think I would have the hardest time not looking at the puppeteer! So, the show also has some elements of Tibetan music. Can you tell me what these are?
Reyes: We have a Tibetan musician, Tsering Bawa, who has served as our cultural consultant and plays various Tibetan instruments throughout the show. The rest of the soundscape was created by the Sound Designer, Sean Healy. Traditional Tibetan music and chanting is gorgeous and lush!
How wonderful to have someone from the Tibetan community be able to work with your company to make sure the sounds were authentic. Tell me, how did having Bawa consult with and work on the show help in telling the story?
Reyes: Tsering was an essential part of the rehearsal process to ensure cultural authenticity. He was a tremendous resource in terms of language, rituals, music, customs and dress. Putting on a Tibetan monk's robe is a beautiful event in itself.
I can imagine audiences, as well as the actors, will benefit from Bawa's input into the show. It really helps ensure the story you are telling is consist with the Tibetan culture. So, what is the most challenging thing about playing your character?
Reyes: As a Pilipino American actor, I feel a great responsibility to represent the Tibetan culture in the most authentic way that I can, especially because there are very few stories told about the Tibetan community. [Also] in the few that are out there, Tibet serves as an exotic background to a white agenda, like in Brad Pitt's "Seven Years in Tibet." [However],being Pilipino does not give me any advantage when learning about the Tibetan culture. Though both are Asian cultures, there are plenty of differences. I had a lot to learn. I really want to portray a three dimensional Tibetan American character dealing with the complicated and real issue of keeping a culture alive and while creating a life in the United States and supporting his family in Nepal.
I can see how it would be challenging work to want to make sure you are offering a fair and accurate portrayal. So, obviously each show you work on is different and has its own character, what is one lesson from this show you will take with you as you continue to act and work within the Twin Cities theater community?
Reyes: One of the great things that I was able to explore with this character is Tibetan Buddhism. What a wonderful way of looking at the world! I hope to bring those amazing tenants into my everyday life.
That's great that that spoke to you so much! In turn, what is something you hope audiences take away from this production?
Reyes: I hope that audiences understand, in a deeper way, the idea of a culture that is disappearing and the real issues that are facing Tibetans. I hope they get a better idea of the complexity of immigrating to the United States for a better life and the difficulty in holding onto one's culture while doing what you need to do to survive in this country. I hope that audiences get a glimpse in the profound beauty and simplicity of the teachings of His Holiness the Dali Lama and the tenants Tibetan Buddhism. I hope they are able to take a breath and reflect.
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"The Oldest Boy" opens Nov. 4. Performances run Thursdays through Sundays, closing on Dec. 18. Tickets cost $35 to $48. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Jungle Theater online.
