- Friday 3 September 2010
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Bogan blues
Ben van Lier.
Sharu Delilkan meets a Glendene actor who's channelling his inner Westie to play a conman.
Ben van Lier is is putting his lifetime knowledge of Westies to good use in his role in Catalyst Theatre's quirkily titled TWACAS.
The Glendene resident - a Westie most of his life - says he's been particularly attentive while walking around his neighbourhood to ensure the authenticity of his character, Bruce, an ex-scuba diver-cum-dolphin trainer and conman.
"I picture him in tight black jeans, slicked back hair and a big moustache. All I can say is my Mum looked thoroughly disgusted when I showed her pictures of me in character."
A group of Unitec drama students formed Catalyst Theatre to stage their first play, City of Souls. Their second production, TWACAS, otherwise known as The West Auckland Cardigan Appreciation Society, written by Sam Berkley, concerns a group of three lonely geeks - founders of the group.
Usually cast as the nice boy next door, Van Lier says he volunteered for the role immediately because it is unlike any he's tackled before. "I love the fact that Bruce is a poisonous character who sees himself as smarter than he is.
"It has been really interesting delving deep into the bank of characters that I've met along the way living out west.
Although his character has delusions of grandeur, Van Lier feels some sympathy for him. "Deep down inside, he's probably the most damaged of the lot."
TWACAS, Musgrove Studio, Maidment Theatre, Alfred St, Feb 17-27, 8pm. No show Sundays. Tickets: ph 308 2383 or see www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz
