In the Crow’s Theatre production of Henrik Ibsen’s 1886 play Rosmersholm, Beau Dixon takes on the role of Peter Mortensgaard, a character central to the play’s unfolding political and moral tensions. The upcoming production of Rosmersholm, adapted by UK playwright Duncan Macmillan and directed by Chris Abraham, runs until October 6, 2024.
Rosmersholm, one of Ibsen’s later works, is a psychological drama set during an impending election in politically turbulent, 19th-century Norway. The play revolves around Johannes Rosmer (played by Jonathon Young), a former clergyman who grapples with the death of his wife and his shifting faith in both religion and politics. Living at the estate of Rosmersholm and the heir to an influential family dynasty, Rosmer is caught between his loyalty to his conservative family heritage and the progressive ideals he begins to adopt under the influence of the strong-willed Rebekka West (Virgilia Griffith), who has taken up residence with him. As secrets emerge, the characters wrestle with personal and political clashes in a world rife with divisive politics and media manipulation. The cast also includes Ben Carlson as Governor Andreas Kroll, Kate Hennig as Mrs. Helseth, and Diego Matamoros as Mr. Ulrik Brendel.
Macmillan’s version, staged in 2019 at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London, highlights modern parallels within the 19th-century setting. It garnered five Laurence Olivier Awards as well as critical acclaim, especially for his skillful treatment of contemporary themes, in particular, emphasizing the play’s pressing political and social issues, including themes of polarization and revolutionary ambition.
Dixon’s character Peter Mortensgaard is a radical editor and agitator with political ambitions, embodying the forces of change and revolution that challenge the established order represented by Rosmer. When asked what attracted him to the production, Dixon reveals that what initially drew him to the role was simply director Chris Abraham hiring him for the gig. “I’ve been an admirer of his work for so long—I jumped at the opportunity. It’s been a very inspiring process. Everything I thought it would be—and more.”
Being hired for the gig should surprise no one, given Dixon’s impressive versatility. A veteran of the stage and screen, he has garnered widespread acclaim for his dynamic performances and genre-spanning talents as a multidisciplinary artist whose works have been produced in theatres across Canada and include performances at the Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Soulpepper Theatre, Grand Theatre and Tarragon Theatre. His co-creation, Shape Of Home: Songs In Search Of Al Purdy, received nine Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations, and he is the two-time recipient of the Toronto Critics Award and Calgary Critics Award, and he has won two Dora Mavor Moore Awards and an African-Canadian Achievement Award.
Beyond the chance to work with the esteemed Abraham, Dixon has found a personal connection with his character: “I was attracted to the role of Peter Mortensgaard as soon as I read his first few lines,” he explains. “He’s a man who’s survived a great loss in his life as well as grappled with many demons, but has found success through it all and somehow managed to make a life for himself.” Dixon’s portrayal captures Mortensgaard’s contradictions—his ability to rise from personal hardship while harboring ambitions that challenge societal norms. “I recognize the parallels in my own life when conflicted with adhering to my personal values and ideals as an artist while surviving in the entertainment industry.”
In Dixon’s interpretation, Mortensgaard is a man deeply layered in contradictions, someone who thrives in a political world while being marked by personal wounds. Dixon has found that “it takes a lot of personal work to bring a character like Mortensgaard to life. Not only do I need to go over the lines constantly, but then I need to forget everything—memorization and rhythms and beats of the line—and just go by instinct. But before doing that, I need to make sure that I know all the facts and secrets about his life.”
Despite Mortensgaard’s relatively brief time on stage, Dixon reveals that the role has been one of the most challenging of his career. “What’s surprised me the most in the process is discovering how much of a workout it’s been to really dig into my character—to be the best actor I can be,” Dixon confesses. “I don’t want to spoil anything about the play, but although I have very little stage time, my character is mentioned throughout the play. I’m quite important in the grand scheme of things.” For Dixon, playing Mortensgaard has highlighted the truth behind the famous saying, “There are no small parts, just small actors.” His careful, layered portrayal seems a testament to this adage.
Abraham has described Rosmersholm as an examination of polarization and the nature of revolutionary movements, a description that resonates with Dixon’s interpretation of Mortensgaard. “I guess you could say my character is a radical left-wing politician—whether he chooses to believe it or not. He wants to polarize the government—flip it on its head, and create a revolution for civil workers. He supports equal opportunity for everyone.”
Dixon notes how Ibsen’s examination of gender and ambition in early 19th-century Europe still holds profound relevance today with our current political climate. “Not only is there still backlash against women’s autonomy in 2024, but gender justice and freedom of expression is now an immediate goal for many.”
Dixon is keenly aware of how Rosmersholm’s themes will resonate with modern audiences, especially given contemporary political and social challenges. “I think audiences are going to see a bit of themselves in each of these characters,” Dixon says. “Though they’re so different from one another, we empathize with each character as they desperately fight for their own beliefs to be heard.”
He points out the tensions that permeate both the play and real life, drawing a parallel between Ibsen’s polarized characters and the polarization in modern politics. “Today, there’s a lot of push and pull from not only politicians, but journalists and social media influencers are urging us to choose a side. There’s a lot of push and pull from both the left and right.”
As a final note, Dixon expresses that he feels “really blessed to be a part of a talented cast in this deeply insightful play. I admire everyone involved in this production and it’s a reminder of how much of a privilege it is to be a working actor.” He extends a warm welcome to audiences to come and experience the production: “I hope many theatre lovers can take the time to go see it!”
Rosmersholm runs until October 6, 2024 at Crow’s Theatre. Visit crowstheatre.com for tickets.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesyaArts Magazine, 2024
