Meeting Karpovsky: Sir Jon Trimmer

The extremely talented long-term mainstay of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Sir Jon Trimmer, talks to drama on the waterfront about the return season of Meeting Karpovsky with Helen Moulder.

Helen Moulder and Sir Jon Trimmer rehearsing Meeting Karpovsky in a Paekakariki garden.

DOTW: Please tell us a bit about the story of Meeting Karpovsky.

JT: Sylvia is a Balletomane who has seen the great dancer Alexander Karpovsky perform 127 times. Her collection of Karpovsky photos is one of her joys. One day Karpovsky appears in her house and slowly he brings her out of her present state of mind with the help of dance, a little trauma and some kindness. The play has a bitter sweet side to it, but it ends well.

DOTW: What can you tell us about your character?

JT: My character I find is kind, tough and helpful. Karpovsky could be imaginary in Sylvia’s life – we are not sure. He is a pleasure to play.

DOTW: You helped to create this show; where did the idea come from? How did the creation process work?

JT: It was a very enjoyable creation for me. Working with two brilliant artistes brought home to me once again why I enjoy being part of Theatre. I was able to create my own Karpovsky, which was then moulded into a richer character by Sue Rider, a marvellous director. I enjoy the way the three of us threw ideas around.

DOTW: What can you tell us about the early productions?

JT: The earlier production had a sterner Karpovsky – he was not so nice to Sylvia. It was almost a case of tough love.

DOTW: What can audiences expect from the return season at Circa?

JT: Our reworking is very interesting. Being almost ten years older we all have a different feel, a different way of approaching these characters. There is as much humour as before. Sylvia is not quite such a lost person as in the last production and Karpovsky is showing a slightly gentler side. It makes for an interesting story.

DOTW: I understand you will be once again going on tour with Meeting Karpovsky, can you tell us where/when you will be going?

JT: After the Circa season, we take Karpovsky on the road, opening first in my home village, Paekakariki. St Peters Church Hall is a beautifully kept turn of the century building, roughly 1905. While not large, it has a wonderful atmosphere for smaller pieces such as Karpovsky. We move on to Masterton, Palmerston North, Cambridge, Rotorua and Howick in Auckland. I’ve always found audiences in smaller towns very rewarding.

Meeting Karpovsky opens in Circa Two on 10 February and runs until 25 February. to book, call the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or go online at www.circa.co.nz.