Elijah Williams chats GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

Set in 1930s Minnesota, Girl From The North Country has taken the theatrical world by storm, selling out seasons in the West End, Toronto and Broadway since opening at The Old Vic in London.

With twenty of Bob Dylan’s songs including Hurricane, I Want You, Slow Train Coming, Forever Young and Like A Rolling Stone, beautifully reimagined and woven through the story, Girl from the North Country is a modern masterpiece.

A story of American life in 1934, it centres on a community living on a knife-edge in the local guesthouse, and stars multi Gold Logie winner, Lisa McCune (The King And I, South Pacific), Terence Crawford (Escape from Pretoria, 1984), Helen Dallimore (Wicked [London], Legally Blonde) Helpmann Award winners, Peter Carroll, Greg Stone and Christina O’Neill, dual AFI winner Peter Kowitz, Elijah Williams (Triple X, Black Jesus), Grant Piro (host of ABC TV’s Couch Potato, Hello, Dolly!), Blake Erickson (The Dismissal, Shrek, Mamma Mia!), Elizabeth Hay (Emil and the Detectives, Hibernation) and James Smith (Jasper Jones, Euphoria) and Chemon Theys (Faust, Deadly Women).

In the role of the troubled boxer Joe Scott is Elijah Williams. Elijah is an actor and singer, who has enjoyed working across many projects in theatre, film and television. In 2019 he was nominated as ‘Best Male Actor in a Leading Role in an Independent production’ (2018 Sydney Theatre Awards). His past theatre and stage credits include Caroline or Change (Hayes Theatre Company), Cocaine (Green Door Theatre Company), The Rolling Stone (Outhouse Theatre Co.), Black Jesus (bAKEHOUSE), A Land Beyond The River (Storylines 2012 at NIDA & TRS Bondi), and Sport for Jove’s productions of The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth.

Can you tell me about your background with performing?

Elijah: I have been very fortunate to be involved in developmental and production work from the start of my career. I am self taught, and have continually immersed myself in books, films, and other streets of knowledge. My inspiration stretches from Shakespeare to Nicole Kidman to Denzel Washington. I love the language and poetry of Shakespeare, the commanding presence of Denzel, and Nicole’s ability to remain profession and create compelling characters. Her ability to fully immerse herself in her craft is something I have always admired and hope to base my career on.

Do you see any of yourself in Joe Scott?

Elijah: I don’t fully see myself in Joe and I think that has been the most enjoyable part of the discovery process. We are similar in the sense of being both black men who have walked and spent time on the earth, subject to adversity, racism, and compelling love. And our voice speaks for all minorities who have been through the flames and scorns of time, have spread their wings and soared through the challenges.

What 5 words would you use to describe Joe?

Elijah: Forward, compelling, complex, trusting, street-smart.

Do you have a favourite song in the show?

Elijah:  My favourite song is “Forever Young” because it speaks of the human condition, and reminds us all that we all share 3 common things in life. We are born, we live, and we die. And it our responsibility to find our God given gifts and share them with the world whilst living a full life of love and joy.

Why should audiences come and see Girl From The North Country?

Elijah: Audiences should see the show because the poetry of the music and lyricism, and the dialogue is tearjerking. The show has artists at the top of their field doing fabulous work. As an ensemble we are a family first and artists second, and audiences should look forward to seeing a family do their very best work.

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Girl From The North Country is playing now in Brisbane. 

For tickets and more information visit www.northcountry.com.au