'The Self-Isolated Artist' Series: Toronto Profile of Andre Sills
Information compiled by Joe Szekeres, Chief Toronto Critic
Personally, to see a play of political intrigue performed in such a way there is an immediate connection with an audience is most exciting. At times, when audience is in synch with the action and the characters that there is a collective inhale and exhale of breath when necessary is most exhilarating for me. Just this past winter, I found myself holding my breath many times in Crow’s Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ directed by Chris Abraham. One of the actors whose performance completely absorbed me was Andre Sills.
For some reason I can’t remember, I missed Andre’s engrossing Shakespearean tragic hero ‘Coriolanus’ at the Stratford Festival in 2018. Thank goodness, the Festival filmed it and I did get the chance to see Andre in the role. Magnificent work to watch.
Andre Sills is a busy family man as you will see from one of his answers below. He grew up in Markham, attended the George Brown Theatre School and graduated in 2004. He was a member of the Birmingham Conservatory at Stratford.
He has received a Dora Mavor Moore award and Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Lead Male actor in ‘Master Harold…and the boys.’ (Shaw/Obsidian). He has also received the My Entertainment World critics pick award for Leading Male Actor ‘An Octaroon’ (Shaw).
I am grateful Andre was able to make some time to be interviewed via email:
1. How have you been doing during this period of isolation and quarantine? Is your family doing well?
Ohh, big question to start. We as a family here are managing. It hasn’t been easy. We each have our up days and our down days. The kids still don’t quite understand it because kids want to be kids, but at least they have each other. For me, personally, I’m grateful to have my health and my family, but as an actor I miss people and work.
2. Were you involved in any projects before the pandemic was declared and everything was shut down? What has become of these projects?
I was in the midst of rehearsals at Stratford rehearsing ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Hamlet’. We stopped rehearsals right around March Break then with the hope of coming back in June. As the pandemic developed, the whole season was postponed. And so we wait to hear if anything happens this year at all.
3. What has been the most challenging part of the isolation and quarantine for you?
Trying not to be too hard on myself. Some people are really finding a creative/physical drive which is amazing, but I’m just feeling it at the moment. I want to, though, so I’m in my little Catch 22. And the weather sucks right now ‘cause it’s snowing and cold.
4. What have you been doing to keep yourself busy during this time of lockdown?
Well, as a family man, my wife and I have two kids, an almost 7 year old son and an almost 4 year old daughter. My boy is in Grade 1 so there is homeschooling happening, breaking up fights between the kids, cleaning and cooking. Cooking has been one place to be creative maybe because you can eat creatively. I’ve even had some say that they would quarantine with us if I feed them.
5. What advice would you give to other performing artists who are concerned about the impact of COVID-19?
I don’t have any advice to give. I’m trying to find the answers and spark to spur me forward through this quarantine and isolation.
6. Do you see any positives coming out of this pandemic?
I just think people will be happy to be around each other again. So simple, but so big.
7. Do you believe or can you see if the Canadian performing arts scene will somehow be changed or impacted as a result of COVID – 19?
Well, I feel somewhat lucky to have been a part of two shows that The Stratford Festival filmed – ‘Coriolanus’ and ‘The Tempest’ from the 2018 season. And presently the Festival is releasing one every week for free worldwide. ‘Coriolanus’ will continue to be seen until May 21st and ‘The Tempest’ starts this week.
But the big question is, “What is next?” Some artists have taken to ZOOM for play readings and streaming live plays. But the theatre is about that two-way connection with what is happening on the stage to the audience breathing with us. You take that magic away, and you’re in the movies. Theatre and film/movies are two different beasts.
8. Many artists are turning to streaming/online performances to showcase/highlight/share their work. What are your thoughts and comments about this? Are there any advantages or disadvantages?
I think it is amazing, but its reach is endless. We can show off Canada at the moment and we can see the world of theatre right in our living room. I know, for me, watching my work right now just makes me really miss playing on the boards. I would love to step inside my TV and play.
9. Has COVID – 19 altered your love of performing in any way?
For me, I really want to get back to it as soon as it is safe. Now the rules of the rehearsal hall and theatre may be different, but I’m excited to see how our creativity can take it on.
As a nod to ‘Inside the Actors’ Studio’ and the late James Lipton, here are the 10 questions he asked his guests at the conclusion of his interviews:
1. What is your favourite word? Hustle
2. What is your least favourite word? Understudy
3. What turns you on? None of your business. :D But if we keep it business related, a generous actor.
4. What turns you off? This I’ll keep to myself.
5. What sound or noise do you love? I love the sound of Hip-Hop and my kids singing.
6. What sound or noise bothers you? My kids fighting.
7. What is your favourite curse word? Paul Sun-Hyung Lee could tell you, it’s ‘son of a bitch’. That’s as far as it goes with me.
8. What profession, other than your own, would you have liked to attempt? Professional rugby player was in the cards for me but acting paid me first. Or a cook.
9. What profession would you not like to do? Office jobs (I respect those that do it). I always played sports and I hated being on the bench, so I would do whatever I needed to get back into the game. I need to be on my feet.
10. If Heaven exists, what do you hope God will say to you as you approach the Pearly Gates? “Come on in, Dre! Welcome!”
Andre Sills’ headshot courtesy of David Cooper.