Studio 180 Blog

Throughout rehearsals and the run of The Normal Heart we’d like to give our audiences an opportunity to get to know more about the team that makes the show possible – both on and off stage. We put a series of questions out to the cast and crew and we’re happy to share their answers with you here. 

Next up is our Ben Weeks – John Bourgeois

John Bourgeois

What have you been up to lately?
I’m currently the Director of the Screen Acting and Theatre Performance programs at Humber’s School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Much of my time is taken up with thinking and speaking about actor training. It’s an endlessly fascinating area of inquiry, one which continuously inspires me as an an actor and director. I’m very fortunate to have the chance to work with young actors and one of the finest professional faculties in the country. I also continue to work as a screen actor and recently shot a part in a Lifetime TV movie opposite Anna Gunn from the hit AMC series Breaking Bad. It was great fun to play opposite such a gifted actress.

Is this your first Studio 180 show?
Yes. I’ve admired how Studio 180 has carved out its place in a very busy theatre scene. Joel and his creative team have fashioned something quite unique in Toronto. I’ve seen many of the productions and was greatly impressed by the standards so it’s enormously gratifying to be part of such a fine company.

What’s your role in Studio 180′s production of The Normal Heart?
I play Ben Weeks who is the older, successful brother to Ned, the lead character. Theirs is a very close and loving relationship that goes beyond conventional brotherly love. Ben, who is based on Larry Kramer’s real brother, Arthur, was mentor, confessor, and protector to the young, struggling Larry.

John Bourgeois sharing his knowledge on set at Humber

What would you say is the most fascinating aspect of your character?
That Ben is incapable of fully understanding his brother’s homosexuality is the source of their adult conflict. It’s an honest look at the complexities of an honest, loving relationship that must contend with fuelled views on sexuality and lifestyles. As someone with two brothers of my own, I know how easy it is to hold on to attitudes that were forged in a shared childhood and how essential it is to move past it and arrive at some sort of accommodation.

Why do you think audiences should check out The Normal Heart?
The play is still fuelled by the outrage of human indifference to suffering. But more than that, it reminds us of the need to be indignant, to rise up and work for change, to get off our backsides and engage with the world. And more than that, it’s the personal story of a man who fights for those he loves and who, despite terrible personal loss, refuses to give in to despair and cynicism.

What’s coming up for you?
My ongoing work as the director of actor training at Humber is endlessly challenging. Close study of the creative process and finding meaningful ways to share that with young people is very fulfilling.