spotlight: alan cumming
IT’S INCREDIBLY BARING AND
REVEALING, BUT THE CONNEC- TION YOU GET WITH AN AUDI- ENCE BEING SO AUTHENTIC AND HONEST AND PURE IS ELECTRIFYING.”
Based on what I’ve read, you’ve said the show takes audiences to an emotionally vulnerable place. How do you prepare yourself for taking that risk each night? I usually have a martini... And then I just jump off
the cliff and open my heart. Vulnerability is kind of the hallmark of doing cabaret performances...You’re out there as Alan Cumming, as opposed to playing a character in a play, isn’t it? Yes. It’s incredibly baring and revealing, but
the connection you get with an audience being so authentic and honest and pure is electrifying. I have never known anything like it. How much has your ability to take those risks changed over the course of your working life? Well, I’ve always been pretty fearless. I suppose
until I did a cabaret show of my own, the only thing I really feared, was doing a cabaret show of my own! Now, especially with the intimacy of what I reveal about myself and the intensity of some of the songs, I feel I could do anything! I feel invincible! Just like in that James Bond film I did! You have managed to make unique and interest- ing choices throughout your career, are there particular achievements as an actor (or anything else, for that matter) that you’re most proud of? I suppose there are certain things likeMacbeth,
which was so challenging physically and emotion- ally. My bookNot My Father’s Son, which was so much about revealing a whole side of my life that nobody knew about. Both stand out because I was
really going into the unknown in some way, getting way, way out of my comfort zone and managing to come through it and surviving and really connect- ing with the audience. Those moments I am really proud of. But also, I am just proud of being me, being an authentic person and doing a job I really like and hopefully using the voice I have to change the world for the better! I’m sad to admit that I haven’t read your bookNot My Father’s Son in its entirety. I have to say that what I have read is stunning and captures your experience in such a profound, honest way. How much did writing it change your perspective? The biggest thing for me was realizing how much
it helped people who had similar experiences. Because I told my story and showed you can come out of an abusive situation and survive and be happy, that has enabled so many people to deal with issues in their families and confront their demons. That response has been so overwhelming and unexpected.
It would make a compelling base for a play. Have you considered it? No. It’s my story and I told it and now I move on.
Your activism for the LGBT community is profound, thank you for that. What do you see as the next big challenge that we as a group will face, now that we can marry? Gaining full equality. You can still be fired or
lose your home in some parts of America for being queer and until all the laws of the land are changed
to reflect the utter equality that every citizen should be entitled to as a right, we still must keep battling. And also, how can you blame someone for being prejudiced if the laws of the land endorse their prejudices? A little on the lighter side... This is our Love and Relationship issue, so I’m going to ask you a couple sappy questions:
What’s your secret for a happy marriage? Communicating. Being able to talk anything through is so important. Laughing with—and at—each other. And, sex. Never underestimate the importance of sex. What makes your heart melt? Grant, my husband, is an illustrator. When I go
away on a trip I’ll open my bags and there will be a little drawing or painting he’ll have done of me and him and our dogs and it’s just the most beautiful, loving thing. That melts my heart. And sappy songs! Thanks again, Alan for doing this. I have followed your work for years and adore what you have
accomplished...Thanks for your activism, your integrity and for your humor.
Aww, bless you.
Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs takes place at Carnegie Hall onMonday, February 8. For more information, go
toalancummingsingssappysongs.com. His album of the same name, is due out on Friday, February 5and can be purchased
atamazon.com.
32
RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2016
photograph by steven ray
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