Current Season: Richard III
Previous Seasons: King Lear
Jovan Jackson (Tyrrel/Rivers in Richard III) is eagerly returning to the stage in this his second production with the Prague Shakespeare Company after playing the role of Kent in last year’s PSC/ CTC co-production of King Lear. A graduate from the University of Houston, he has performed with some of the city’s most beloved theatres. He has appeared most recently with Phoenix Inc. in their productions of Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. His credits include several seasons at the Alley Theatre where he appeared in The Invention of Love, The Devil’s Disciple, A Christmas Carol and Equus. Jovan has also performed with Clasical Theatre Company in their production of Prometheus Bound, at Stages Repertory Theatre in Southern Rapture, and with the Houston Grand Opera in both Resurrection and Aida. His most beloved performances however, were as a pastry slinging “Professor Pi” with the Mosaic Theatre Company. As a Voice Over artist Jovan has worked with several companies including Compaq Computers and Keller Williams Realty, and can be heard featured in numerous Japanese “Anime” productions with ADV Studios including Highschool of the Dead and Halo Legends. Notable commercial work includes spots for Wal-Mart, Texas Legal Web and Space Center Houston, where Jovan is in his 6th season hosting his own one-man kids’ show.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
1.) What was the last play you attended?
Little Shop of Horrors
2.) What is the most inspiring and/or favorite performance you have experienced in the theatre?
The incredible performance of Pirate #7 I saw in a production of Peter Pan. He was an extra that I’m sure most never noticed but he had created such a fully developed character that I’ll never look at “small” part the same way again.
3.) What is the most inspiring and/or favorite production of a play or musical that you have experienced in the theatre?
I know it may sound cheesy now, but when I saw STOMP in the 90’s I thought it was the most exciting thing I had ever seen. I still think that is what all musicals should be like.
4.) Most inspiring and/or favorite actor & actress?
I have two, Chiwetel Ejiofor is the most dynamic and inspiring actor alive today, and Don Cheadle for his character “Mouse” in Devil in a Blue Dress who is funny suave and totally without conscience.
5.) Other than PSF and PSF associated artists, what is the company you would most like to work with in the future? What director?
I would love to do a show with Catastrophic Theatre. They have a talented pool of actors that aren’t afraid to tackle bold plays that really push the envelope.
6.) Favorite Shakespeare Play? Favorite non-Shakespeare Play?
Titus Andronicus; because it is play that is as twisted and visceral as it is poetic. Noises Off; because with its timing and physical comedy it is a show that can make anyone fall in love with the theatre.
7.) Name three roles you would like to play within the next five years and/or the three plays you would like to design/direct within the next five years.
Who knows what the next 5 years will bring. I love every character that I have a chance to bring to life and some of the unexpected ones have also been my favorite. I will say though that I really like the character Aaron in Titus Andronicus and would enjoy walking in those willfully wicked shoes for a while.
8.) What is the word or words that describe your work as actor, designer and/or director?
Fulfilling
9.) What performance, production and/or theatrical achievement from your past are you most proud of and why?
The four characters that I played in Stages production of Southern Rapture were some of the most enjoyable in my professional life. It was the kind of laugh out loud comedy with an incredible cast that makes you realize that you have the greatest job in the world.
10.) What are you reading now? Most inspiring and/or favorite book?
After finishing the Stieg Larsson Trilogy I’m trying to restart Gregory Roberts “Shantaram”. My favorite book would absolutely be Steven Kings Dark Tower series. He started that book in college as a writing exercise with no intention of finishing it and over the next 22 years it became his masterpiece.
11.) What are you listening to now? Most inspiring and/or favorite music?
I’m all about progressive trip-hop right now. I love that Lounge meets Dub-Step sound.
12.) What was the last film you saw? Most inspiring and/or favorite film?
Almodovar’s The Skin I Live In. I still don’t quite know how I feel about it. My favorite movie: Pulp Fiction.
13.) What is humanity’s most useful invention? Most useless invention?
Useful. The Ability to Generate Electricity followed closely by the Toilet. Useless. Dyson Air Multiplier . . . Seriously?!? Air Multiplier.
14.) What is your country of Origin? What are the most inspiring and/or favorite places you have lived?
USA. Favorite place I’ve been Amsterdam but never lived there.
15.) What is your favorite Prague/Czech (or Houston/USA):
- Theatre? Stages
- Sight-seeing activity? Cemeteries. From Paris to Vietnam they’re fascinating places. I also visit the “worst” part of town in search of the “best” music.
- Building? Never thought about it. I usually like the stuff inside.
- Restaurant? Kata Robata
- Coffee Shop/Bar/Pub? Brazils Coffee. Etro Bar
- Czech Cuisine? Never had it but I’m looking forward to it.
- Czech City? I’ll have to visit a few first.
16.) What is an immediate goal as an artist? In your personal life?
To keep growing with every show I’m in and to always live up to my #1Dad coffee mug.
