Glitzy musical Evita comes to Newcastle
Jun 22 2009 by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal
“The person on the page is not him: Che didn’t say these things, so I don’t have the duty to be close to the truth that Benicio Del Toro (who played Che on film) had.
“He’s portrayed as a peasant. Che was not a peasant – he was very much middle class – but it captures the spirit of a revolutionary who questions the moral integrity and political integrity of the political classes.”
In the musical, Che is about 26 and Cullen says: “He admires Eva, possibly even fancies her.
“There’s an attraction and a meeting of minds, but he does get impatient with it.”
Through her marriage to Argentine dictator Juan Perón and rise to power, Eva becomes the establishment, he says, and it isn’t the kind Che wants to be a part of.
He has no problem finding the energy night after night to capture the spirit of the man who, he says, “took no prisoners; he didn’t compromise”.
“That’s the responsibility of an actor when he takes on a job like this. And with the music, the lyrics, the direction we get, it’s so easy to find the passion. In some ways it’s easier than a nine-to-five job.”
Work is something “I’m very, very passionate about” and he’s equally eager to inspire others.
He’s been working with a cancer charity, saying if people devoted an hour of their time it could help make a difference to those less fortunate. “I’m very clear I want to contribute”.
And why shouldn’t people be able to make transitions in their careers without questions?
He cites the success of singers such as American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson, who went on to win an Oscar, and Pop Idol winner Will Young, who acted alongside Judi Dench in the film Mrs Henderson Presents.
Can you imagine, he asks, Robbie Williams visiting schools to inspire children, like with David Beckham and his football academy?
“They say ‘those who can do, and those who can’t teach’, but wouldn’t those who can do AND teach make brilliant teachers?” After all, the right inspiration could help people find the right route in life – one he might have missed.
Cullen says he never stops learning. And he intends picking up a few things about Newcastle during this, his first, visit.
Evita is at Theatre Royal, Newcastle, until July 4. Visit www.theatreroyal.co.uk 08448 112 121.
