Interview with Lydia White, Girl From The North Country
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
Ahead of the much-anticipated return of Girl from the North Country to its spiritual home at The Old Vic this summer, we’re joined by Lydia White (A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic), who plays Katherine Draper in the production, to find out more.
What was it about Girl from the North Country that made you want to be part of its return to The Old Vic this summer?
I have always loved Bob Dylan’s music; my parents played Dylan all throughout my childhood, so I essentially grew up listening to him and other artists from his era. I discovered Girl from the North Country a few years ago, and I was (of course) obsessed with the soundtrack as soon as I heard it. Consequently, I’ve always wanted to be part of the show, so when I saw it was returning to The Old Vic, I was absolutely thrilled – even if I wasn’t in it! I think The Old Vic is the most special theatre, brimming with history and magic, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of Girl from the North Country coming home!
You play the role of Katherine Draper, can you tell me a little bit about her and how you have developed her for this production?
Katherine or Kate Draper is the ex-girlfriend of Gene Laine – (the son of Nick and Elizabeth who run the boarding house.) She only has one scene and a few songs, but her story is rich and nuanced and incredibly moving as she aids the trajectory for Gene. Through Kate’s moments, the audience gets a glimpse into their relationship - what they have both lost and what they both long for. She is a woman who feels she didn’t have a choice due to circumstance. Her soul wants Gene, but pragmatically, she has to marry a man who can provide stability and safety.
I think my journey in discovering her was developed through the songs first. To me, the music of this show is transcendental. It represents the characters’ inner worlds. It feels like a window into their soul, so I was able to understand what Kate was not saying in the scene where she tells Gene she is getting married to another man.
This show infamously blends Bob Dylan’s music with a narrative set in The Great Depression. How do you think this aids the narrative and atmosphere of the show?
Bob Dylan feels like a prophet – he is able to capture a sentiment, or feeling, or struggle without implicitly forcing a message. He is a poet who allows the listener to transcend their experience – many of his songs don’t make cognitive sense, but for some reason, they still move us. With all this ambiguity, I think Dylan’s music could fit many periods in time but it feels particularly poignant during our story through The Great Depression. I believe his songs (and his personal experience depicted in his music) encapsulate the hunger, desperation and longing particularly prevalent in the community. The music creates a moment where the characters can breathe – in contradiction to the fast-paced story happening throughout.
Girl From the North Country also explores hard hitting themes like struggle, hope, and human connection — which of those resonates most with you and why? But also, how do you deal with those difficult topics?
I think the theme of interrogating the human condition and the need for connection resonates with me the most. All these people are just trying their best to survive – some through dark choices. We can all relate to the sentiment of struggle, survival, hunger and hope. I think this musical also allows a huge amount of nuance – sometimes we don’t have the answer to why certain things happen in our lives. There might not be a reason behind something bad happening. And we have to keep moving.
Dealing with those difficult topics can be made easier by having a brilliant group of people around you. There is such resounding care for this story, it is held so sensitively, so no one feels alone in it.
Has working on this production changed the way you hear or feel about Bob Dylan’s music?
I have always loved Bob Dylan’s music so entering the show with this perspective was a huge privilege. However, I think I was slightly protective over his songs – I didn’t want to feel that his identity / style had become erased for the sake of creating a show. However, what I discovered was better than I could imagine - not only is Dylan’s life force threaded through all of Simon Hale’s beautiful arrangements, but we are encouraged to surrender to the numinous experience of singing his music. It feels magical to be able to connect to his songs through a new lens, the arrangements enhance his dexterity and genius, rather than squander it. I get a new insight into Dylan’s mind each time I listen to the show!
People absolutely adore this production - what do you think it is about Girl from the North Country which has made it so popular?
I think Girl from the North Country speaks universally to an audience. It meets you wherever you are in this moment. The ambiguity throughout allows an audience to project their individualised meaning onto the story, whilst simultaneously having a profound shared experience. I think it’s the most beautiful piece; everyone can resonate with something they see.
Has there been any discussion on whether it has been approached differently this time around or can those audiences expect the same show?
There are a few new cast members, alongside cast members coming together from various different productions over the last 8 years. This means it cannot possibly be the same show, as each actor brings their uniqueness to the role. There is a resounding protection of the story shared throughout our cast – it feels sacred. We all fully commit to and believe in the story and this means it is very hard to recreate / recite a past version. We are also encouraged to make it our own!
Finally, how would you describe Girl from the North Country in three words?
This is hard! I think it would have to be numinous, profound and spirited.
Girl From The Country plays at The Old Vic from 24 June to 24 August.
