April 7th: Today’s Feature

April

Part I: Adrian Lester

Adrian Anthony Lester CBE, originally named Anthony Harvey, (14 August 1968-present), is a versatile English actor, director, and writer who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Lester has been recognised for his outstanding talent and dedication to his craft, receiving prestigious accolades such as the Laurence Olivier Award, Evening Standard Theatre Award, and Critics' Circle Theatre Award for his exceptional work on the London stage.

In addition to his numerous achievements in the UK, Lester's talent has also been acknowledged on an international level, as evidenced by his nomination for a Tony Award, showcasing his versatility and skill as a performer.

Early life

Lester, the son of Jamaican immigrants Monica and Reginald, was born in Birmingham. His mother worked as a medical secretary while his father was a manager for a contract cleaning company. At a young age of nine, Lester showcased his talent by singing as a boy treble in the choir of St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham.

As he grew older, he developed a passion for acting and joined the Birmingham Youth Theatre at the age of 14. After completing his education at Archbishop Masterson RC School, he further pursued his dreams by attending Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College for a year. Eventually, he dedicated three years to honing his skills at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Acting Career

Lester's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1991, he received an Ian Charleson Award commendation and a Time Out Award for his exceptional portrayal of Rosalind in Cheek by Jowl's all-male production of As You Like It. The following year, he showcased his versatility by playing the role of Paul in the highly anticipated UK premiere of John Guare's Six Degrees Of Separation, sharing the stage with the renowned Stockard Channing at the Royal Court Theatre. This successful production later transferred to the West End's Comedy Theatre, further solidifying Lester's reputation as a formidable actor.

Lester's talent continued to shine in 1993 when he took on the role of Anthony Hope in the National Theatre's production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. His performance captivated audiences and showcased his ability to bring complex characters to life. Not one to rest on his laurels, Lester also graced the stage as Robert in the Donmar Warehouse production of the iconic Stephen Sondheim musical Company. His portrayal of Robert was met with critical acclaim and earned him the prestigious Olivier Award.

Lester's range as an actor was further demonstrated when he took on the challenging title role in Hamlet, for which he was honoured with the Carlton TV Theatre Award. His portrayal of the troubled Danish prince was both captivating and emotionally charged, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Lester's impressive body of work on stage showcases his versatility, dedication, and undeniable talent, solidifying his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Lester portrayed the character of campaign manager Henry Burton in Mike Nichols' film Primary Colours (1998), which was adapted from the novel by Anonymous (Joe Klein). His role was widely believed to be a representation of George Stephanopoulos, and for this performance, he received a nomination for "Most Promising Actor" from the Chicago Film Critics Association.

In Kenneth Branagh's Love's Labour's Lost, a musical version of William Shakespeare's play set in the 1930s, Lester was featured. Despite the film's lukewarm reception, Lester's acting was recognised with a nomination at the British Independent Film Awards.

Influences & Reflections

Adrian Lester has expressed his admiration for Ira Aldridge, the pioneering black US stage performer of the 19th century. Lester emphasised Aldridge's exceptional acting skills, describing him as someone who must have possessed an incredible talent and deep understanding of his craft. He highlighted Aldridge's tenacity and drive, pointing out that achieving what he did during a time when racial prejudices were rampant required immense skill and determination.

Lester went on to reveal that some of the Artistic Directors of major institutions in the UK were unaware of Aldridge's legacy. Despite receiving education and training in theatre from prestigious establishments, these individuals lacked knowledge about the groundbreaking performer. This revelation shed light on the lack of recognition Aldridge received in certain circles, even though he had appeared in productions across the US, Europe, and the UK. Lester's insights into the ignorance surrounding Aldridge's contributions to the theatrical world served as a reminder of the challenges faced by black artists during that era.

The conversation with Adrian Lester provided a glimpse into the historical context of Ira Aldridge's career and the struggles he faced as a black actor in the 19th century. Lester's observations underscored the importance of recognising Aldridge's achievements and the impact he had on the world of theatre. By sharing his thoughts on Aldridge's talent and the lack of awareness about his legacy among some influential figures in the industry, Lester highlighted the need to celebrate and honour the contributions of artists like Aldridge who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of performers.

Lester acknowledges the importance of trailblazers like Aldridge who paved the way for non-white performers like himself to thrive in the industry. He has expressed his hope for a future where skin colour is no longer a topic of discussion when it comes to one's career. Lester's passion for acting is obvious when he  reflects on the joy of simply being on stage, exploring different characters and texts without the burden of racial stereotypes.

Despite his love for acting, Lester admits to feeling frustrated by the constant focus on his skin colour rather than his talent and skills as an actor. He highlights the challenges of breaking free from the preconceived notions that audience members may have about him based on his race. Lester's candid reflections reveal the complexities of navigating the entertainment industry as a non-white performer, where perceptions and stereotypes can overshadow individual talent and creativity.

Continued in Part II