Interview: 8 Questions with Tess Malis Kincaid of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE at The Alliance Theater

By: Feb. 25, 2016
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Tess Malis Kincaid is a star of the Atlanta stage, appearing in dramas and comedies across the city but her current project is tackling an iconic villain in The Alliance Theater's production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Kincaid will appear as the White Witch in the one-act show starting this weekend, a character she describes as bold, powerful and undeniably evil.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is C.S. Lewis's beloved childhood tale of four siblings' adventures in the fantastical world of Narnia. This production, directed by Rosemary Newcott, uses acrobatic and dance choreography to illustrate the magic of talking animals, mystical creatures and the ultimate battle between good and evil.

We caught up with Kincaid right before The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe headed into tech to chat about her emotional connection to the book, the show's unique physical aesthetic and how the rehearsal for the play is like a toy Etch A Sketch.

What's it like to step into a notoriously villainous role like the White Witch?

You know, I've played other rather harsh and rather evil characters before but most of the time you're trying to find their kindness or the subtlety in that context. When it's a witch, you don't really have to do that so much. She can be just as wicked as you her to be.

How has it been to play a character so many people know so well?

It's great fun. So many of us do have such a strong bond with that story from growing up or even reading them in our adult lives and so you have these ideas in your head of who these characters are.

But because they are imaginary characters you get to go outside of the lines. You can be really creative and bold with your choices. I don't feel like I have to treat it with any real reverence other than being honest to the words on the page.

Did you read the book when you were a child?

I read it at probably middle school age. It is my first recollection of having physically cried having reading a book.

How does choreography factor into the storytelling?

There's a whole lot of really beautiful movement work from some actors in the show who are also gymnasts and dancers. The script is written on the page is quite short but the physicality enriches the story so much.

Internally, in the world of Narnia, you've got these magical creatures where we can make them whatever we want them to be. You have a lamppost that is not necessarily made out of a metal lamppost; it's made out of people.

What was the rehearsal process like?

It was a real ensemble creation. We explored a great deal the idea of the sleigh that the White Witch comes in on. That one was very collaborative. Saying, how do we create this moment physically, visually? And like an Etch A Sketch, you shake it up and go, "Now let's start over again and see if this works."

Is it different acting in a show geared towards a family friendly audience?

You want to be aware of your audiences but I never make a choice to talk down to them. They're smart. There were moments where I thought we might go more for the funny, wacky sort of humor but we're not going all the way there. We want the children to join in the magic of it but not make fun of it.

How is your own family reacting to your part in the show?

I have a fifteen-year-old daughter and I thought, at fifteen she might not be as into it, but she's really excited to see the show. We actually read The Magicians Nephew together, which is the book that precedes, story-wise, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I think we all have a special place in our heart for this story.

Will you and the cast do anything special to get ready for the performances?

We have to get into that space of going into this magical world and creating. You can't just walk in off Peachtree Street and go, "Okay, I'm here." No, we really have to mentally get ourselves in a place where we're ready to dream and go on a fantasy together.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, directed by Rosemay Newcott opens this weekend.

When: 1:00 & 3:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from February 27 to March 20

Where: The Alliance Theater, 1280 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Tickets: Adults $35, children $20, alliancetheatre.org



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