MAX Harris will combine his two passions when he takes to the Ulumbarra stage on July 5.
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The violin player and drama lover has been cast as the fiddler in Bendigo Theatre Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Theatre is something Harris has dabbled in since primary school.
“It’s kind of cheesy, how I started in drama. In kinder, I played Santa and since then I have loved being on stage,” he said.
“All through high school I did shows. Then I did the Aladdin pantomime with BTC and have been with them ever since.”
One of the challenges Harris has faced in preparing for his role is not only playing away from the orchestra, but not having sheet music in front of him.
“It’s totally different. I’ve never combined the two (acting and music) before. Usually I’m in the pit, a metre away from the conductor,” Harris said.
“I still have to look at the pit (for conductor cues) from the stage but as I do it more and more, I am not as nervous.
“The hard thing is having to memorise most of the songs. That’s a big thing because if I forget some stuff, I have no where to look (for sheet music).”
Harris has been playing violin for five years after watching his sister learn trumpet in high school.
“When I was 12, I saw my sister play trumpet and thought music looked fun. So I tried all the instruments and there was something about the violin I really like,” he said.
The traditional Russian-themed music that features in Fiddler on the Roof is also new to Harris.
“I have never really delved into Russian compositions before but I definitely will after this,” he said.
“For my exams that are coming up, I have looked at more classical and romantic-style pieces that are German or Spanish.
“Before being cast, I had heard of Fiddler but never watched it, which is a shame because it has really lovely music.
“There is this totally Russian feel that is beautiful. It is very well done and very well written.”
Harris said while his character is not a main role, the Fiddler is symbolic to the story.
“The Fiddler character plays a lot of character themes and pops up every now and then as a bit of a metaphor for the town (the story) takes place in,” he said.
“It is one of shows that no matter when you watch it or who you are, the themes are universal and never age. Audiences can connect to it and relate to the characters.
Harris said Tevye, the main character, is one who a number of audience members could relate to.
“He's trying to stick to tradition but the world is changing around him,” Harris said. “He wants be family man but also support his daughters and make sure they’re not outcasted as the Russians come in and world comes crashing down around him.
“It is a really beautiful show and some of the talent in it is ridiculous.”
Bendigo Theatre Company’s Fiddler on the Roof is on at Ulumbarra Theatre from July 5 to July 8.
Visit www.thecapital.com.au/Whats_On/Fiddler_on_the_Roof for more details or to book tickets.