by Danielle Lemon
Devin Pihlainen, a Guelph University theatre graduate, returns to FCP after a great performance in The Lieutenant of Inishmore last season to play legendary fashion designer Rudi Gernreich in The Temperamentals.
FCP: Who is Rudi Gernreich?
DP: He was a Hollywood costume designer, and he was the designer of the first thong and monokini, actually! He moved to the US from Vienna when he was 16. The play centers on Rudi’s romance with Harry Hay, which brought about the founding of the Mattachine Society.
FCP: How much responsibility do you feel playing a real life character?
DP: The historic background of this play is so important, that I really want to get it right, and do service to the playwright and to the story. You can get lost in preparation though – at some point you have to drop it and just get into the character. I like to err on the side of “feeling like Rudi” rather than being technically perfect in terms of the accent and mannerisms. If I can communicate the emotional aspects of Rudi’s journey and his conflict, then I’ll have done my job.
FCP: What does Rudi see in Harry?
DP: He’s attracted to the fighter. They come from very different backgrounds and have very different viewpoints, and Rudi loves arguments. Obviously there’s a physical attraction too, but the initial draw is an intellectual one.
FCP: You mentioned that the historic background of the show is really important…
DP: It is – but it’s as much about finding who you are and having the courage to be it. This story can change someone’s life if they let it – the history is just the foundation.
Devin Pihlainen stars in The Temperamentals by Jon Marens, directed by Ryan Mooney. November 22 – December 3, 2011 at the PAL Studio Theatre.
