“Embracing Chaos: Mark Rylance’s Insights on Confronting Uncertainty”

Mark Rylance: The Unstarry Actor and Passionate Activist

The Man Behind the Roles

Mark Rylance, the Oscar-winning actor often hailed as the greatest of his generation, is a far cry from the typical star. In an interview with The Observer, Rylance appears in shorts, a frayed T-shirt, and a baseball cap, exuding an air of understated simplicity. Known for his captivating performances on stage and screen, Rylance has built a career playing loners and mavericks, including his acclaimed portrayal of Johnny “Rooster” Byron in Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem. Yet, despite his success and renown, he remains grounded and unassuming.

Dr Semmelweis: A Play of Evolution and Revival

Rylance is currently rehearsing for the West End opening of “Dr Semmelweis.” This play, which he co-created with director Tom Morris, explores the life of Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian doctor who revolutionized maternity care in 19th-century Vienna. Investigating the impact of improved hygiene and antiseptic on reducing postpartum infections, Semmelweis faced disbelief and rejection from the medical establishment. His story, filled with tragic irony, resonated with Rylance, who discovered it through the book by Louis-Ferdinand Céline. The play, first premiered at Bristol Old Vic, has since evolved, and Rylance is thrilled to be revisiting it.

Philosophy in the Spotlight

The concept of the outsider holds immense appeal for Rylance, who is often characterized as eccentric due to his interest in crop circles and his use of the I Ching. However, he rejects this label and instead sees himself as someone open to ideas outside the mainstream. Throughout his career, he has embraced roles that explore the complexities and nuances of human nature, challenging societal norms and offering alternative perspectives.

The Role of Culture in the Climate Emergency

When asked about the role of culture in addressing the climate emergency, Rylance emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their interconnectedness with nature. He argues that we must move towards a state of “interbeing” with the natural world, understanding that we are not separate from it. Rylance believes that the arts play a crucial role in fostering this understanding by telling stories that inspire and draw people towards a deeper connection with nature. He laments the decimation of the arts and imagination in schools, pointing out that the destruction of artistic expression hinders our ability to address the climate crisis.

The Evolving Path of a Lifelong Artist

Rylance’s career trajectory has been marked by continuous evolution and growth. Starting at the Glasgow Citizens Theatre and later joining the Royal Shakespeare Company, Rylance’s talent propelled him to lead roles and critical acclaim. He went on to become the founding artistic director at the Globe Theatre, where he solidified his reputation as a consummate stage actor. However, Rylance’s transition to film brought him international recognition and opportunities to work with renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg, Terrence Malick, and Christopher Nolan.

Lessons from Fellow Collaborators

Reflecting on his collaborations with directors, Rylance highlights the influence of Terrence Malick, a filmmaker who approaches his work with a focus on embracing chaos and accidents rather than rigid plans. Rylance admires Malick’s spiritual perspective and his ability to create space for divine inspiration. He also credits Steven Spielberg and Peter Kosminsky as significant figures in his artistic development, learning valuable lessons from their directorial styles.

The Nature of Self-Doubt and Embracing Uncertainty

Rylance, like many actors, experiences self-doubt throughout his career. In his early days, he struggled with feelings of inadequacy and the constant urge to apologize to the audience. However, he eventually realized that self-criticism can be a driving force for improvement. Rylance advises young actors to engage their senses and connect with the present moment, trusting their instincts and embracing the uncertainty that comes with their craft.

Shakespeare, Spirituality, and Beyond

Rylance’s affinity for spirituality is deeply intertwined with his work as an actor. Raised Catholic and Protestant, he later delved into American Indian and pagan spirituality, ultimately embracing the belief that the divine is present in everything. Rylance values the connection between his spiritual experiences and his acting, recognizing the impact it has on his performances. He also speaks candidly about his personal experiences with loss and the need to find solace in empty spaces rather than hastily filling them.

Unforgettable Characters and Transformative Roles

When asked about the most challenging characters he has portrayed, Rylance cites Romeo as a particularly difficult role to play due to the character’s impetuous nature. He also reflects on “Othello” and the emotional toll it took on him, drawing parallels between the character’s experience and his own encounters with loss. Rylance acknowledges that some roles leave a lasting impact on an actor’s psyche and require careful navigation to protect one’s own well-being.

An Enduring Love and Collaborative Partnership

Rylance credits his wife, Claire van Kampen, with transforming his life and career. The couple met while working at the National Theatre, and their love for each other and their joint creative projects have been a constant in their lives. Although they do not have children of their own, their many shared projects act as their “children” and bring them immense joy. Rylance speaks fondly of his deep connection with Claire and acknowledges the profound impact she has had on his life.

Looking Ahead and Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Despite his illustrious career, Rylance confesses that he still does not feel ready to play King Lear, a role he deliberately refrained from taking on due to the immense challenge it poses. Instead, he expresses an affinity for the character of Gloucester in the same play. Rylance also reveals his desire to tour his iconic role of Rooster Byron in “Jerusalem” and emphasizes the importance of decentralizing headline theater from London. He advocates for “levelling up” the arts while cautioning against the counterproductive effects of cutting arts funding.

A Message to Aspiring Actors

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self or aspiring actors, Rylance encourages them to trust their own experiences and live authentically. He finds inspiration in artists who genuinely express themselves, urging young actors to cultivate their unique voices. Rylance also emphasizes the importance of being open to chaos and recognizing the beauty that can emerge from empty spaces.

The Unending Journey of Mark Rylance

Mark Rylance’s career has been a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. Although he has achieved worldwide recognition and worked with renowned directors, Rylance remains true to his humble and unassuming nature. His ability to embody a multitude of characters and his profound insights into the human experience make him an exceptional artist, philosopher, and advocate for the arts.

As he continues to captivate audiences and explore new creative endeavors, Mark Rylance leaves an indelible mark on the stage and screen, reminding us of the timeless power of storytelling and the transformative potential of art.