Daniel Dercksen shares a few thoughts with Charles Bouguenon.

Tell me about how you landed the coveted role of Frank 'n Furter in the Rocky Horror Show? You mentioned that you auditioned for Riff Raff?
I heard about the auditions via the grapevine and was instantly taken.
I'm also a Rocky Horror fan and would have loved just to be in the musical.  I decided to go for Riff with Frank as second option as a long shot because...well, it's an incredibly challenging and intricate role!  Usually seasoned actors with at least 10-15 years experience tackle Frank and I honestly thought I was a bit young. Well the audition process lasted a month… The first day was great, lots of familiar faces and I just gave it stick.  Bronwyn Evans our director offered me Riff the same day but added that she really liked my Frank and so callbacks started.  A month later I was in full garb, makeup and red leather knee-highs in front Duck Chowles and Louis Moller convincing them to just give me a chance, I'll work my ass off! What fish-nets and mascara won't do for a man. Thanks with all my heart for believing in me Bron.

Frank is a tough role to crack, how do you manage?
Well initially when I landed the role, I heard our rehearsal period prior to the Durban run in 2008 was only three and a half weeks long.
So I requested a script right away to begin research.  I can say during the three months lead-up to rehearsal, I spent a lot of time with a pencil and my script on the patio.  Frank is a very complex character on many levels from physically - those heels take things to whole new levels in terms of power and stunt appeal;  to mentally and emotionally with manic tendencies, electrifying intensity and a melodramatic pathos death complete with swan dance! A perfect example where the hubris in a character causes his downfall.  Also in terms of
style: the B-grade, very placed, verging on caricature but unique and original. This is where timing becomes very important.  It's the first time I've experienced that even though Frank has Five solos, the speaking parts are more challenging and exhausting.  So all the "homework" was necessary so I could create a 3-Dimensional, plausible character which can be drawn from so as to react and respond sincerely when interacting with the other characters on stage.

It is also an incredibly sensual role?
Ooh very!  Frank is fueled by sexual tension and energy.  On the planet Transexual in the galaxy of Transylvania sex is sustenance, like food and is common, regardless of gender or relation.  It also explains why Riff Raff and his sister Magenta constantly get off. Frank is ridiculously charming intending both men and women to fall in love with him.  It's a difficult balance to strike.  The fine line between crazy, angry, rude, condescending, patronizing, cocky, aloof and still charming the pants off everyone.

How do you see the character of Frank?
Dr. Frank-N-Furter is an alien from the planet Transexual (the land of night) in the galaxy of Transylvania.  He's a scientist trying to make the perfect man, but has a fetish for performance and everything becomes a showpiece. He's definitely masculine.  He dresses and reacts because his race studied the humans using B-grade movies as a reference.  He, Riff and Magenta believe they're wearing very clever disguises and believe they wouldn't raise an eyebrow.  His over-riding super objective is to have a good time, he's whimsical, flamboyant, selfish, indulgent, powerful, intense,  just so many things.  He leaves such freedom to explore and push boundaries.

Have you always been a fan of Rocky Horror? When was your first  encounter?
From my very first viewing at eighteen I fell in love with Rocky Horror.  I thought it was ridiculous and wonderful at the same time. By the time it got to the floorshow I was wondering in awe how far reality was going to be stretched.  It was a few months before I was to start studying drama and I wished that I'd have the opportunity in my career to play Frank.  So this is a wonderful experience for me and especially so young.

Why do you think it's been so popular?
It speaks to people on many levels.  It was very ahead of its time in the seventies and it's one of those special musicals that after 37 years is still as relevant and entertaining today.  The characters are almost representations of certain sections of society and the audience can often relate with a character. Others get lost in the story and enjoy the escapism. These characters become subject to a rock 'n rollercoaster ride of fun, freedom, sexuailty, and expressing the individual.

Your favourite moment in the show?
There are honestly too many to mention.  It's a show packed full of amazing moments. Every night is a new adventure!

The character of Frank is often misjudged..your performance is very close to Richard O' Brien's original creation?
I believe the way I depict Frank is the way Richard 'O Brien wrote it.  I remain very close to what I believe is the Richard 'O Brien Rocky Horror Show formula.  Tim Curry's performance, I believe, is one of the most prolific reasons why Rocky Horror achieved such cult status. Because of this people expect certain things from the show in terms of style, decor, costume etc. and so one has to honour the fact that it is a cult phenomenon for a reason and there is no reason to reinvent the wheel.  You just have to be honest, sincere, give your all and tell the story.  Two things I retained from the iconic character created by Tim Curry was the Kensington accent, not a Queens english mind, and the instantly recognisable wig.  The majority of the rest was sheer hard work.

How do you relate to the character of Frank?
Frank lives very much in and for the moment, and all he wants to do is have a good time. His motto is "Don't dream it, be it!"  I try to find the gift in every day and seize every day and live life to the fullest pursuing my dreams and just trying to have a good time doing it.

Are you a 'wild and untamed thing'?
Wa wa wa wild!  I'm fairly animated and I love having a laugh and seeing the funny side of things.  I'm frightfully enthusiastic when something interests me.  I feel lately I'm more tame but I reckon it's more centered.  I'm focusing far more on my business and my career, and responsibilty can also be rewarding when it's goal orientated.

Where did it all start for you, being a performer?
My father and grandfather were both professional classic musicians and I started music very young with music theory and violin which progressed to all sorts of various performance styles.  I now find myself an actor, singer, dancer and musician.  I've been fortunate to have had so many wonderful opportunities to learn new skills.  For example:  I learnt how to play alto saxophone for Fame the musical, the tenor sax for the Buddy Holly Story, I had to learn how to tap dance for Thoroughly Modern Mille not forgetting learning to traipse around in proper 9-inch heels wielding a chainsaw!  As a child I was in many school productions and choirs.  In high school I joined the Irene Dramatic Society and a Gilbert and Sullivan group and took part in one act play competitions and Murder dinner evenings and decided to study Drama after school.  I also did a course in stage combat and got my teacher's diploma in Latin Amerian and Ballroom dance.  I find performance very rewarding as well as stimulating and challenging. But it becomes the end-product and learning to run the business side of the business is a whole other challenge young performers often don't take into consideration.

You seem to enjoy keeping a low profile?
I like keeping my private life exactly that.  I'm a homebody and have a wonderful girlfriend who is a neo-natal icu sister - Kelly-Anne Delaney and a beautiful home and two fab cats we find a lot of pleasure in the domestic vein.  The entertainment industry is many things and although I enjoy it very much, I think having a haven where one can revitalise and just escape is important.

What do you do when you are not on stage?
Mostly running the business but I'm a fitness adrenaline junky and enjoy mountain-biking and vert. skate-boarding.  A lot of time is spent brushing up on skills, I find myself spending hours a week practising instruments, taking singing rep., taking tap lessons, reading plays and craft related books etc in a weird sort of cycle focusing on different things at different times.  Also I'm an avid reader and enjoy watching films and I have a keen interest in my bonsai collection.

Do you ever get lost in the character of Frank?
Every single night.

Any comments you would like to share?
believe in yourself and really go after something you believe in but remember having talent is one thing, having the technique to manifest and sustain a career is an entirely different thing.

Future plans?
This is only the beginning, it's still very early on in my career and I'm trying to make the most out of every opportunity.  Use every endeavor as a springboard to new and challenging enterprises.

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Copyright © 2009 Daniel Dercksen/ The Writing Studio