For one weekend only, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s new Black Box Theatre will be the home of former President Bill Clinton.
Sort of.
“Bill Clinton Hercules” is a one-man show about Mr. 42 that has an unusual backbone: Seamus Heaney’s allegorical play “The Cure at Troy,” a version of Sophocles’ Philoctetes. In this production, actor Bob Paisley puts on the Southern charm to portray see Clinton asking himself the tough questions. Before he takes the stage, however, we had a chance to ask him a few questions of our own.
Tell me about this concept of weaving the story of Philoctetes with a present day, real-life character like President Bill Clinton.
BP: “The Cure at Troy,” Seamus Heaney’s retelling of the Trojan War, features four characters that we identify with our version of the president: Philoctetes, the former warrior, punished by the gods; Odysseus, the great general who will do anything to win; Neoptolemus, the peacemaker; and Hercules, the wise and powerful Greek god. We show how [Clinton’s] life has echoed these characters and influenced his view of the world. In our show, he longs to be Hercules with the god’s power to shake people up and show them the right path to peace and prosperity.
What about this show really grabbed your attention and pulled you in?
BP: The timing of this show is, well… timely. We’ve been working on this script for two years now and the topics we cover in the play are eerily topical and current. I believe that in these politically volatile times, we can learn from the lessons of the past and encourage thoughtful, progressive ideas to solve the world’s problems. Having a high profile character to play doesn’t hurt, either.
And lastly, the question on everyone’s mind: What’s it like to play Clinton in Little Rock?
BP: Portraying any living person has its own inherent challenges, but none more challenging than representing Bill Clinton. He is a complicated man with many facets, both public and private. As I’ve performed this play in Europe and Australia, I am constantly amazed by the respect the President enjoys around the world. Of course, there is nothing scarier that meeting his real life friends in his home state. While I don’t exactly look like the President, thanks to some wonderful writing and great direction, I think we capture his spirit and bring a positive vibe to his story.
“Bill Clinton Hercules” will be at the annex for a limited four-show run March 24-26. For showtimes and more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit The Rep’s website. You can also call (501) 378-0445 or visit the theatre box office downtown at 601 Main St., Little Rock.