Brian Cox reflects on his experience with Tom Stoppard's play Rock'n'Roll, where he played the role of Max, a Marxist academic, opposite Rufus Sewell as Jan, a Czech student returning to Prague in 1968. For Cox, the key to Stoppard's writing was his clear and purposeful ideas, which often took precedence over character development.
One notable example of this approach was when Cox played Eric Hobsbawm, a great intellectual Marxist, but was instead based on someone else entirely. When asked by Cox why he was being used as a prop for the play, Stoppard replied simply: "Because you are." This exchange demonstrates Stoppard's ability to get his actors into a corner where they couldn't argue anymore, yet never losing any of his charm.
The first night of Rock'n'Roll saw a fascinating audience, including Václav Havel, Timothy Garton Ash, and Dave Gilmour. Cox recalls looking through the curtain and spotting Mick Jagger being spoon-fed by his girlfriend – an amusing anecdote that captures the play's ability to find humor in serious topics.
Beyond its engaging storylines, Stoppard was known for his elegance as a playwright. This trait is exemplified in a humorous moment where he waited patiently in his car outside the Royal Court Theatre until the meter went to 12pm before moving on – a perfect illustration of picking one's moment with finesse and poise.
Throughout his career, Stoppard demonstrated an extraordinary ability to craft plays that not only entertained but also explored complex ideas. As someone who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian Cox can attest to his unwavering commitment to elegance and his enduring legacy as a writer of remarkable substance.
One notable example of this approach was when Cox played Eric Hobsbawm, a great intellectual Marxist, but was instead based on someone else entirely. When asked by Cox why he was being used as a prop for the play, Stoppard replied simply: "Because you are." This exchange demonstrates Stoppard's ability to get his actors into a corner where they couldn't argue anymore, yet never losing any of his charm.
The first night of Rock'n'Roll saw a fascinating audience, including Václav Havel, Timothy Garton Ash, and Dave Gilmour. Cox recalls looking through the curtain and spotting Mick Jagger being spoon-fed by his girlfriend – an amusing anecdote that captures the play's ability to find humor in serious topics.
Beyond its engaging storylines, Stoppard was known for his elegance as a playwright. This trait is exemplified in a humorous moment where he waited patiently in his car outside the Royal Court Theatre until the meter went to 12pm before moving on – a perfect illustration of picking one's moment with finesse and poise.
Throughout his career, Stoppard demonstrated an extraordinary ability to craft plays that not only entertained but also explored complex ideas. As someone who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian Cox can attest to his unwavering commitment to elegance and his enduring legacy as a writer of remarkable substance.
i'm still reeling from reading about Tom Stoppard's genius 
! that quote where he says "because you are" is giving me LIFE 
it's like, Stoppard just called out Cox and made him feel seen and understood in the most subtle way ever 
. and let's talk about Václav Havel and Timothy Garton Ash being in the audience - what a legacy those guys have 
. i'm low-key obsessed with how Stoppard wove history into his plays, like Rock'n'Roll is literally the epitome of that 
I bet he'd find humor in something like that too! And what was with Václav Havel at the premiere, anyway? Was he just curious about Mick Jagger's spoon-feeding skills? 
Also, I'm intrigued by Brian Cox's experience playing Eric Hobsbawm - did Tom Stoppard really think he could pull off someone else's character? 
. Sources, dude! How did Cox know so much about Hobsbawm if he wasn't actually playing the role? 
his writing style is like a work of art, elegant and precise. and oh man, that quote from him to brian cox "because you are" gives me chills 
its like he knew exactly what he was doing in the moment, never losing control 
He's like the ultimate master of crafting plays that make you think and feel at the same time. It's kinda like when our history teacher tries to teach us about complex historical events but somehow makes it super engaging 
But what I love most about him is how he never compromises on his ideas, just like our teacher when we're discussing sensitive topics in class. 
. Like, the whole experience of playing Eric Hobsbawm (or whoever else) just went to show that Stoppard wasn't about being literal or following some rigid script... it's all about capturing the essence & spirit of the character 
. And I mean, who wouldn't want to be a part of something as awesome as Rock'n'Roll, with Václav Havel & Dave Gilmour in attendance? 
this stoppard guy is like a genius master of manipulation 
but in a good way! he knows exactly how to get under your skin with those clever one-liners and ideas that just won't leave you alone 
brian cox's story about playing eric hobbsbawm is literally insane "because you are" lol what kind of psycho plays an intellectual as himself? anyway, i'm loving the fact that stoppard can make humor out of serious topics like rock'n'roll and politics 
Interesting how Tom Stoppard's writing style was all about getting his point across rather than building complex characters, like in that Eric Hobsbawm role where he just kinda used him as a prop... but still managed to keep it witty and charming!