Q&A with James Davis

James Davis is playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, which runs at STC through October 12. We recently did a Q&A with him.

Hometown:
St. Louis, Missouri

Most recent project:
Cassio in Othello at the New Harmony Theater in Indiana

Favorite role you've done:
Julia in 2Gents (aka Two Gentlemen of Verona)

What play would you most like to perform in and what character would you like to play?:
Hamlet in Hamlet. This is because my first job out of school was understudying the role of Hamlet in a New York Off-Broadway production. I never got to perform it, and I know all his lines…

What's on your iPod? (mp3, cd player, etc.):
Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart"

Favorite Shakespearean play:
Romeo and Juliet

Favorite Shakespearean villain:
Goneril and Regan in King Lear

Have you had a chance to see D.C.? What's your favorite spot in the city?:
I'm a fan of the "up-and-coming" U Street area. There are some neat hip places around there.

Why did you want to do this play?:
Romeo and Juliet truly is my favorite Shakespearean Play. Juliet has the most beautiful language/poetry to speak in the context of expressing her passions, fears and frenetic yearnings. Although she may ramble at times, her argument is always wise and her rhetoric, in a stunning way, can be perfectly concise. I just knew it would be a pleasure speaking her text.

What's your favorite scene in Romeo and Juliet and why?:
The Balcony Scene. The lady tells the man how to woo her. I believe she takes the reins in that scene.

What's next for you after Romeo and Juliet?:
Ummm… let's just get this play open. Honestly, I have no idea.