An interview with Errico Liguori

WARNING: This interview contains spoilers.

Ahead of our 2020 performances in Milan, London, Madrid and Paris, we spoke to Errico Liguori, who plays Spurio in The Revenger’s Tragedy, about his character, words of advice from Declan, and his favourite moments.

I play Spurio (which means “impure”) the bastard son of the Duke, so only half ‘blue-blooded’. He is part of the Ducal family through adoption only, and is almost always marginalised.

The lack of love he’s received has left him practically incapable of loving in return; he hates his father and all of his stepbrothers. He is also looking for a place at court, and may have a chance to find it through his relationship with the Duchess, his stepmother…

“The actor’s task is to try to steer the scene, and never to push it into being.”

What have been your favourite moments from working on the show?
There are so many to choose from! The one that springs to mind involves Declan, who often guides us with his stories. We were performing in Saint Petersburg, and Declan told us that we had to imagine getting on a metaphorical out-of-control bus, taking the driver’s seat and desperately trying to steer it otherwise we will crash.

If we don’t try to steer the bus (a metaphor for the scene) but find ourselves pushing it, this means that there is almost certainly something not quite right with the scene. This reminds us that the actor’s task is to try to steer the scene, and never to push it into being.

What were rehearsals like with Declan and Nick?
We took on each scene calmly, analysing, taking the time to consider every little detail concerning each individual experience, and always with a great sense of play and extreme respect for the space, our companions and the piece. A perfect blend for the ‘construction’ of a play. 

“It is a group journey through many of the most deeply rooted human fragilities.”

What is your favourite moment in the play? 
I love this play from beginning to end. It is a group journey through many of the most deeply rooted human fragilities. A roller-coaster of emotion…

One of my favourite scenes is that of the death of the Duke, because at that point… well, I won’t say any more, you’ll have to go and see The Revenger’s Tragedy for yourselves to find out!

Click here to see our 2020 Performances of The Revenger’s Tragedy