David Oyelowo lives for drama.
He loves the challenge of taking on complex stories and characters.
And right now, he says, the theater is one of the best places to do that.
Brian Higbee
I love my kids, I love my wife, I love my house, he smiles.
But his misalignment with (and dislike of) the common people is soon revealed.
The cast ofCoriolanusin rehearsals at the National Theatre.
The cast ofCoriolanusin rehearsals at the National Theatre.
David Oyelowo:I was actually involved in the very first one.
Its about to be the 30th anniversary, which is so bonkers.
I was a teenager at the time, and thats the closest Ive come to performing there.
Ive never done a play at the National professionally.
Its literally one of my favorite places to be.
Theres just something about it.
[Its] definitely something that has been on my bucket list.
Why do you connect, particularly, with this Shakespearean protagonist?
I love an underdog, andCoriolanusis a much better play than people give it credit for.
The challenge of it is to start with a bang and keep that going through the five acts.
And that is difficult.
Hes also a difficult character to love, but I love his complexity.
Also the political nature of the play.
It really looks at the cult of personality in politics.
Look at the political landscape in America right nowpeople are focusing less on policies and more on personalities.
It feels as though the West End is pulling in more big Hollywood names than ever.
Its a trend born out of necessity.
Audience habits changed indisputably after the pandemic and streamers are much more focused on whatI personally thinkare lowest-common-denominator movies.
Disposable movies that are here today, gone tomorrow.
Its very hard to find what we used to call a modern classic now.
Something that stays in the movie theater for a long time, that people keep going back to see.
Theater is incredibly exposing.
You cant hide behind the editor or camerawork or marketing.
Why did I agree to do this play?
Im going to be terrible.
it’s possible for you to feel when the play isnt working in the room.
Its incredibly humbling and vulnerable, but when it works, theres nothing quite like it.
Why should people who arent behind the scenes care that its harder to get meaningful stories made?
That may feel lofty, that may feel conceited to people, but that is how I feel.
It is one of the most powerful tools in the world for breaking down prejudice, for healing.
Theres a reason why the Obamas have a deal at Netflixit’s incredibly powerful as a medium.
Its a bit chicken and egg.
If you dont care about the attention to detail, the audience doesnt care.
Ive been on a 30-year journey to get toCoriolanus.
The things I really believe in, I stick to.
So, like Coriolanus, youre popular… Would you go into politics?
Coriolanus is a warrior.
Its not always a good idea though.
She couldnt be less interested if she tried.
Because she knows that in politics, there is compromise.
Compromise of the self, of values, of ethics.
Its inherent in modern-day politics.
And: I like being at home too much.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity throughout.
Coriolanusis at the National Theatre until November 9.
