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Tell me about how you landed the role of Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show?
I had actually gone in to audition for Brad and when they paired me up with Janet - the height difference became a factor. Fortunately they were looking for a Riff and knew that I could sing the demanding score that comes along with playing Riff Raff. I was asked if I were keen and with a little reluctance I said that I would give it a bash. Fortunately for me, I get to play the best character (biased) in the show, behave like a maniac, run around sexually charged (along with my sister Magenta) and get away with it
It is an unusual role for you to play?
Riff is unlike any other role I have ever played in the sense that he is NOTHING like me. He is sex-obsessed, loves his sister (a little too much), is a bit of a drug addict and just plain-alien in every way. I have normally been cast as the sweet, gentle, caring and kind characters with the "ag-shame" factor. Not this time! Its great to break away from the type casting and be recognized as a little more dynamic.
You have also undergone an amazing transformation from the innocent boy in Full Monty to the twisted alien in Rocky Horror?
Oh yes - this mad creature, for starters, is not even human. He, therefore, doesn't process things in the same way that us humans would - for instance a hand presented for a shake (by Brad) is sniffed and not shaked. These things are quite obvious and add to the quirkiness of my Riff. His physicality is the iconic hunch with the limp in his walk. I have given him an obsession with his hair and interesting little twitches on the odd occasion. Getting to this point was no walk in the park and from the help of my peers and creative team I was able to physically create and define Riff. A worthwhile process.
Riff Raff is a tough role to crack, how do you manage?
He is a tough character as he is so layered. The joy if having an extended run (approx 6 months) allows me to really delve into and explore so much about him - giving me the opportunity to create a beautiful 3D performance. The toughest part of Riff Raff is most definitely the grueling singing that he has to do. Performing it once is easy - its sustaining 7 shows a week and this over the period of 6 months that presents the greatest challenge. Plenty vocal rest, sleep and lots of water!!
How do you see the character of Riff Raff?
Riff is the caterpillar who turns into the butterfly. He is the only character with a complete metamorphosis. Its quite exquisite really. He begins the show as a dirty, slimy hunchback…much like the town-clown and over the duration of the show one journeys with him through his gags and humour and shares in his abuse that he is subjected to. By the end they meet the gorgeous alien Riff Raff from the Planet Transsexual…erect, perfect, entrancing, whole and confident.
Have you always been a fan of Rocky Horror? When was your first encounter?
I never really caught on to the whole craze until I started working on the piece myself. My first little exposure to Rocky was the song Time Warp when I was in my early teens - I loved it and used to dance out all the steps. The show as a whole only became real to me when I was given the DVD as a birthday present.
Why do you think it's been so popular?
Its fun and frivolous and completely provocative. People love the shock value. Rocky provides a platform for somewhat taboo topics (homosexuality, infidelity, addiction, incest) to surface on stage and the viewer is left with their own set of questions. A little deep for Rocky??? Nope I don't think so.
Your favourite moment in the show?
Most definitely the floor show at the end - the transformation from the "human" to the Alien and getting to sing the highest most demanding part of my show.
Are you a 'wild and untamed thing'?
Um, where?? Hehe. No quite the contrary actually. Quite level headed, cool, calm and collected. I like to know where I am going and what I am about. This show is helping me chillax a little.
Where did it all start for you, being a performer?
Performing has always been in my blood - from youth choirs to school productions. I then had the privilege of doing some huge Musicals whilst at varsity where I gained some performance experience. From there I got my first audition and cracked it. Its been a snowball effect and I have been fortunate enough to remain in work and active on stage for going on three years now.
What excites you about musical theatre?
It's magical. It allows an audience to be taken into this world, transported into this world through song, dance and acting. There's something inexplicable, it gives me the most incredible rush when that curtain goes up and you are throwing your arms up in the air and singing and dancing. Singing is something I am incredibly passionate about, and being able to tell a story through song, through lyrics is just incredible.
Is there a role you are dying to play?
There are a few actually - but being a short-dude I got to be real about the possibility of some of the more romantic roles, bearing that in mind I would love a chance to play Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and Bok in Wicked. Oh yeah, and play Alan Strang in EQUUS.
You have an incredibly positive outlook on life and seem to be very sure-footed for a person your age; where does this come from?
I am confident in who I am, and continue evaluate where I am at. My support system is incredible - great friends and family. I surround myself with people who have positive outlooks and great values. I am a great believer in the power of intention and creative visualisation - if you can see it, you can attain it.
You also have an incredible musicality and musical presence - in the sense of other musical stars like Donald O'Connor in Singin' in The Rain and Danny Lockin in Hello Dolly! Although they had supporting roles, they never went unnoticed. Is this a natural ability you have or where does it come from?
To be completely honest with you - I am so unaware of my presence on stage. I just go out there and do what I love doing. I do try to detach Matt (Me) from my physical performance so I can almost evaluate how I read to an audience - so as to give an accurate performance of the character I try to create. I suppose there must be a degree of natural apptitude as I have had no formal dramatic training other than whilst at school.
You seem to enjoy keeping a low profile?
Absolutely. I am constantly around people and indirectly being judged. I do feel the need to mix in circles outside of the theatrical ones. The world is a big wide exciting place and my life extends way beyond the confines of the theatre. I am an only child and have always been able to entertain myself - I am accustomed to just grabbing some Matty-time and indulging my own needs.
What do you do when you are not on stage?
I am a sucker for fine dining and eating out at amazing restaurants. If not eating out, I am probably whipping up a meal at home. I enjoy a good Vida coffee and there amazing muffins. I am also trying my luck with breaking into the voiceover market and can now be found on the Voicebank. Trying to extend beyond the theatre and broaden my opportunities.
Who is the real Matthew? The person behind the performer?
Matty is a calm, collected and an intuitive boykie. I draw great strength from the significant others in my life. I am quite a solitary creature and enjoy my own space and company. It allows me to think and reflect. Very positive and not much gets me down - seldom angered. Always looking to challenge myself and following through so that I can reach those, sometimes, unattainable goals...nothing is impossible!
Any comments you would like to share?
I am going to be in the Cape from 1 June till 20 July - come check the show and what we have to offer. Also, I will be available for bookings. My agent is Mairi Cameron - give her a shout on 076 563 7951 and she can point you in the right direction. Alternatively give me a shout on 082 298 9770. I do Voice work I am a trained singer - high Tenor Have been in Musical such as THE FULL MONTY, WESTSIDE STORY, CABARET, HAIR, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (for which I was just recently nominated for a Naledi Award.
Do you have any advice you aspiring young performers?
Be real and be honest with yourself. It isn't an easy life to lead and is not easy to get into. I believe that with passion and absolute belief in what you do, if you commit to something, see it through. Follow through and go with it.
Future plans?
Breaking out of theatre into something a little more permanent such as some television work, film, production etc. I would like to create this "buffet" of opportunities where I can be a little more selective of the kind of work I take on instead of just cruising from show to show. Performance is my first love!
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2009 © Daniel Dercksen/ The Writing Studio
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