We sat down with Nicole Cooper who plays Lady Macbeth in Zinnie Harris’ Macbeth (an Undoing) at the Rose Theatre in Kingston.
Macbeth (An Undoing) is a different perspective on Macbeth – tell us more about it?
Our writer Zinnie Harris was intrigued at how Lady Macbeth could go so rapidly from scheming and ambitious to sleepwalking and tormented in Shakespeare’s play. What happened to this woman to change her character so completely? How come Macbeth – who is tormented by ghosts and guilt isn’t the one who descends into madness? Zinnie’s play addresses what happens if Lady Macbeth stays in control and it’s Macbeth who continues to spiral. And how long does that last before the original play fights back?
How have you found playing the role of Lady Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth is always a challenging role – because of that huge character switch. You have to make big emotional leaps when you play the traditional version of Lady Macbeth. Which is why I particularly love playing Zinnie’s version. It is such a thrilling story to tell. Her journey is heartbreaking and inspirational all at the same time. We are able to flesh out the reason for some of her behaviours and explore just how much of a unit Lady Macbeth and her husband are…before it all goes so horribly wrong. I find it really exhilarating to play.
You’ve also played Medea and Coriolanus – what draws you to these complex and contentious roles? And why do you think you keep getting cast in them?
I am lucky enough to be asked! I am drawn to working with writers and theatre companies that enjoy reimagining classical works. Shakespeare in particular is infinitely interpretable and although his female characters are iconic to play, they often don’t have the same agency or dexterity of language that his male characters do … Any actor would want the challenge of exploring that language. I enjoy investigating complex humans that on the surface may be unlikable or monstrous but actually when you break through their exterior you begin to understand what drives them, what makes them human.
Did you always want to be an actor? How did you get into the business?
I knew from about 14 years old that it was what I wanted to do. I was at boarding school in Oxford, desperately missing my home in Zambia and drama was a way for me to navigate the difficult emotions I was going through. It soon became the thing that made me the happiest and so I knew it was what I needed to do.
I auditioned for a drama school in London and won a scholarship to attend and that was that.
Who or what inspires you?
I come from a particularly impressive line of women on both my mother and father’s side. They inspire me. People who faced extreme adversity but managed to flourish and encourage those around them to do the same. I try to live by that same code. I hope that is the lesson I am teaching my 3 daughters too.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Throw yourself into every opportunity you get to experience the field you want to work in. I wish I had had more access to the arts when I was younger. Don’t waste anytime comparing yourself to those around you…it is actually your uniqueness that will stand you in good stead. Think of every audition as an opportunity to do what you love to a captive audience!