40 year artistic partnership celebrated at Canberra REP

Posted on 10 May, 2024

It is a rare and exciting prospect to have an artistic partnership span 40 years.

But this is the happy reality for Aarne Neeme and Liz St Clair Long, legends of the Canberra theatre scene, whose latest offering, The Actress, opened recently at Canberra Repertory Theatre.

Aarne Neeme’s career started in 1962 and he has delighted Canberra audiences at the Canberra Repertory Theatre (REP) with everything from Just Between Ourselves in 1984, to the hilarious Mr Bennet’s Bride, by Emma Wood in 2023.

Aarne first cast Liz St Clair Long in 1983 in Enter a Free Man when the lead actress fell ill. Liz went on stage with the script with only two days preparation. She says of that wild opening week, “that’s when you realise how essential the rehearsal period is to be able to explore the character!”.

“Liz has a presence that just works,” says Aarne. “She is very versatile and we have had a lot of fun over the years. Liz has exceptional talent as an actor, and she is also a very generous creative.”

“I have enjoyed watching her in our latest show, The Actress. It really does show so many dimensions of what a professional actor goes through, and I don’t think anyone could play it better than Liz!”

The Actress tells the story of the final night in an actress’s career, as she and those around her face the prospect of grand endings – or disasters. How does one handle the end of success and youth? When do we stop performing and face reality? This play tells a touching story about choices, regrets and opportunities and of course the decision of what to do next…

“Tartuffe” 1995 – Liz St Clair Long (Elmire) and Geoffrey Borny (Tartuffe).

Liz also has many fond memories of working with Aarne, which span several decades.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Aarne again on The Actress,” she says. “Aarne is an ‘actor’s director’, helping you realise the nuanced facets of the character and the playwright’s language.”

“You learn new techniques and ways of reading a part, every time from him – always a delight. I am always so very proud to be in an Aarne Neeme production.”

As for Liz’s favourite role directed by Aarne across the years? Elmire in Tartuffe in 1995, which she describes as “comedy gold”.

Fellow REP actor Jazmin Skopal, who plays the Production Manager in The Artist, says it’s a partnership that brings out the best in everyone.

“When two artists have the opportunity of working together for such a long period, they are able to bring out the best in each other. They know each other’s strengths, and how to push each other, whether it be Aarne encouraging Liz to find new aspects of her character, or Liz suggesting different interpretations of the play, they just get each other. I think in some ways, Liz has been a muse for Aarne. I hope Canberra audiences get to see her shine in this play.”

Feature image: Just Between Ourselves 1984 – Liz St Clair Long (Pam)