Helen Hunt on Why ‘Boredom’ Is a Luxury-and Her Bold RSC Debut

Helen Hunt is making her Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) debut in a new production of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, starring alongside Kenneth Branagh and Bill Pullman. Hunt plays Madame Ranevskaya, a Russian aristocrat facing the loss of her family estate, in a production directed by Tamara Harvey at the Swan theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Why is Helen Hunt joining the Royal Shakespeare Company now?

Hunt cited the “compelling story” and the “impossible beast of a part” as the primary draws for the project. According to Hunt, the opportunity to work with director Tamara Harvey and the prestige of the RSC were significant factors in her decision to join the cast.

The actress, 63, expressed a specific admiration for the RSC’s body of work, stating she felt “thrilled and flattered” to debut with the company. She also highlighted the intellectual challenge of Chekhov’s writing, noting that the complexity of the language ensures an actor “will never be good enough to get bored.”

How does The Cherry Orchard reflect modern societal divides?

Hunt describes the play as a study of the “apathy of the elite class” during the final days of the Russian empire. While she acknowledges “lots of resonance” with current wealth divides and the profligacy of the 1%, she argues the play is more timeless than specific modern political situations.

According to Hunt, the core of the story is the “overwhelming terror we all have of change.” She specifically points to the contradiction of her character, Madame Ranevskaya, who is generous on a daily basis while profiting from a system that causes widespread suffering.

What is the impact of Kenneth Branagh’s presence in the cast?

Kenneth Branagh plays Lopakhin, the self-made businessman. Hunt described herself as “a very big fan” of Branagh, attributing her early interest in verse and poetic delivery to his film Henry V. She stated that Branagh’s work demonstrated that verse could be “crystal clear” and as exciting as an action movie.

How is the acting industry changing for women over 60?

Hunt addressed the scarcity of “meaty female parts” for older women, a challenge that previously led her to write and direct her own projects. When asked about Hollywood’s focus on women’s age and appearance, Hunt stated there is “nothing you can do” to change the industry’s gaze.

Her strategy for navigating this environment is a commitment to the art itself. “Whether you’re hired or not… you just have to keep finding a way to be making work,” Hunt said.

What is the effect of mobile phones on the theatre experience?

Hunt expressed concern over how smartphones prevent audiences from being “present.” She referenced recent incidents involving actors like Rosamund Pike and Lesley Manville, who have spoken out against texting and filming during performances.

Hunt argued that viewing a performance through a “five-inch rectangle” instead of with an “open heart” diminishes the artistic exchange between the actor and the audience.

How does Hunt view her legacy and the Oscars?

Reflecting on her Oscar win for As Good As It Gets opposite Jack Nicholson, Hunt rejected the idea that she was “composed” during the ceremony, describing herself instead as “exhausted.”

She specifically mentioned Judi Dench’s performance in Mrs Brown, stating that she watched the film three times. Hunt asserted that awards are not an “Olympic relay” and that the different styles of acting cannot be compared, though she felt it would be an “impostor” move not to acknowledge the quality of her fellow contenders.

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