Veteran actor and director Michael Hurst is known for movies, TV and perhaps most of all theatre, where he's brought to life some of William Shakespeare's greatest roles and works. This month, he pops up in the second series of local crime drama, A Remarkable Place to Die. And he reveals his views about the rights of Kiwi actors, in another bracing 1News Grill.
If you could send a list of questions like this to William Shakespeare, what's one thing you'd ask him?
Who were you really?
What were your first impressions of New Zealand, when you moved here from the UK aged seven?
It’s so green! Why are all the houses made of wood? Where is everybody?
Do you consider yourself a New Zealander now?
Oh yes. Absolutely.
Which role are you most recognised for on the street?
To be honest, I only occasionally get recognised, and in New Zealand it’s more likely to be for a play I’ve been in rather than anything on the telly or whatever. A few times, to my surprise, I’ll hear someone shout “Iolaus!” (the character I played in Hercules – The Legendary Journeys back in the 1990s) and that’s a nice feeling.
What will be the biggest issue on your mind when you vote this November?
Funding for the arts, and legislation to improve the status of New Zealand actors in overseas movies that shoot here.
We artists, performers, musicians and craftspeople, are consistently relegated to the margins. It becomes a race to the bottom as the meagre funding we already have is slashed even more.
Yet what do we turn to when we want to show ourselves on the international stage, or get a message across to the public, or showcase our excellence or simply share with the world just how cool and progressive we are down here in Oceania? The Arts, of course. But without opportunities to develop, there can be no growth towards excellence, and those who are talented and have potential simply move away. This is already happening.
As for movies, the government needs to legislate to protect and support New Zealand actors and creatives by making sure that overseas producers can’t simply come here and plunder our resources without casting any kiwis in significant roles or having Kiwis in senior production positions.
What's the most awkward line you've ever had to say on stage or screen?
I’ve never had any line that I can’t or won’t say. Does asking if there is a doctor in the house count? That I’ve done on two occasions.
Which three adjectives best describe you as a teenager?
Energetic. Curious. Funny.
Who do you play in A Remarkable Place to Die?
Dudley, a likeable rogue who is in over his head, cheeky, crooked and blind. And gifted. But blind though he is, he can, just by holding and "listening" to it, sense the innate quality of any precious stone. It’s a bit woo-woo, but it works. And he is obsessed by these precious stones. He can’t resist any invitation to examine them. The pleasure he gets from this is a highlight in his life. And, of course, this gets him into trouble.
What's one vice/behaviour you'd like to quit or reduce?
I don’t have any.
What are the three essential elements of your perfect weekend?
Reading, sauna, cooking and, if I’m working, performing. That’s four, I know, but I don’t care.
Watch A Remarkable Place to Die on TV1, 8.30pm Sundays, or stream it on TVNZ+.
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