Erica Long

Doug, what was the show you did at the Royal Shakespeare Company?

Douglas Coupland

In 2004 the RSC in England phoned to ask if I would participate in a new series in Stratford-upon-Avon. The series was called 'Testament' and participants testified on-stage to something they had witnessed, which for me was the 1990s. Work began in August of 2004 and there were five test performances in Alberta, followed by three performances in England.

Erica Long

Had you acted before this?

Douglas Coupland

No.

Erica Long

How did the process go?

Douglas Coupland

It was a feat of memory - 12,000 words - and I never want to remember that much ever again. The show was 80 minutes long. It was far more labour than I'd imagined. But the fact that it was experimental was highly appealing.

Erica Long

How did it go?

Douglas Coupland

Mixed. I think some of the people who showed up expected a regular type of play! They came a way a bit confused. And there was one review where the writer went nuts on the RSC and I was merely collateral. Theatre reviewers are such carnivores. Imagine Comic Book Man from the Simpsons on crystal meth. It's so different from the book world.

Erica Long

Are you doing another play?

Douglas Coupland

Yes. It's a secret for the time being, but after much rumination, I can't wait to get back in there and work.