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- Interview with Peter Hamilton Dyer
Interview with Peter Hamilton Dyer
What were your first impressions of the character of Feste? Answer
In Feste's first dialogue with Maria, it becomes clear that he has been absent from the household for some time, though he refuses to say where exactly he has been. How have you approached this absence and Feste's past? Answer
In his dialogue with Viola at the beginning of Act III, Feste drops astute hints that he knows about her disguise. Feste is a fool, but to what extent can he be seen as foolish? Answer
Feste gets away with making some very blunt remarks about his social superiors, yet he is not punished. Is this licence part of being an ‘allowed’ fool? Answer
Feste is described as Olivia's ‘Corrupter of words’. Does he truly ‘corrupt’ words, and what do you think we can learn about Feste through his language? Answer
Feste and Malvolio are frequently seen as opposites. What can we learn about Feste through his relationship with Malvolio and how did this relationship develop as the season progressed? Answer
What is the motivation behind Feste's ‘interlude’? Does he find tormenting Malvolio entertaining or are there other factors? Answer
What function does song perform as an aspect of Feste's character? Answer
Early in the rehearsal period, Feste's song ‘O Mistress Mine’ was accompanied by a broken consort. This accompaniment subsequently disappeared. Can you explain this decision and how it affects the relationship between words and music in song? Answer
How important do you feel it is for Feste's songs to fit the situations provided by the narrative thread of the play? Answer
How does Feste's final song fit into the larger pattern of the comedy? Answer
The penultimate line of Feste's final song is ‘But that's all one, our play is done’. Is this dismissive and if so, does Feste undermine any serious messages he seemed to convey? Answer
At what moments does the audience feature particularly strongly in your performance? Answer
Did your relationship with the audience differ in any way during the performances at Middle Temple Hall? Answer
You were involved in the Globe's production of King Lear. Do you feel that the Globe Theatre is better suited to comedy in any way? Answer
What discoveries have you made in the Globe space this season? Answer
Would you like to perform at the Globe again? Answer