The Actor’s Role and Identity

Grandson-Luca has won a competition, designing a dress for the dame in the Lowestoft Players’ Pantomime. His had a musical theme…

Pantomime dames have been around for generations. Men dressing up as women – in this case Cinderella’s ugly sisters – is a bit of fun – traditional Christmas family theatre. I know several lovely gents who have played wonderful pantomime dames!

The whole cross-dressing landscape has changed in recent years. High-profile drag-queens aren’t actors playing a part for fun but individuals with an outrageous identity.

On Saturday we watched Jesus Christ Superstar in Ipswich. The London show’s on tour. A sign informed us: ‘In this afternoon’s performance the role of Jesus is played by Charlie McCullagh’.

Charlie McCullagh did an excellent job – singing, acting, story-telling – high quality theatre in a really demanding role.

Yesterday at church Lou talked about Jonah. God tells Jonah to preach in the wicked city of Ninevah. Jonah goes in the opposite direction. There’s a storm, Jonah ends up in the sea, swallowed by a big fish. It’s a familiar story.

Jonah was a prophet – God’s representative, speaking God’s words.  But was ‘prophet’ part of his identity or a role that Jonah played? Was he a prophet regardless of his feelings or actions, or could he step in and out of character?

I was a teacher for many years. It was part of my identity. It was also a role that I took on. I came home and wasn’t that teacher. The distinction between role and identity wasn’t straightforward.

I’m a father and grandfather. It’s a biological and historical fact, part of my identity; it’s also a role I take on when I’m with the family. Role and identity somehow merge together.

And being a Christian? Am I some actor who wears outrageous clothing for a bit of fun? Am I Charlie McCullagh who plays Jesus for the afternoon or Jonah the rogue prophet who plays by my own rules? Or does my role and identity somehow merge together?