Meet the Witch: Claire Barnett Jones
Claire Barnett Jones is ready for double-duty in our upcoming Hansel and Gretel: the mezzo-soprano plays two roles — Hansel and Gretel’s mother, and the beloved-and-feared Witch.
In this production, designed by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, Barnett Jones wows as she handles Humperdinck’s demanding score, sky-high platform boots, and all while manipulating a formidable Witch puppet. In our exclusive chat, we asked her about the fun of it all:
What’s the secret to playing a Witch?
“Having fun!! She is larger than life in every way! She’s a bit scary, a bit ridiculous, and over the top. In this production I get to perform her inside of a puppet, and this is a new, but very exciting way of portraying her and there is no way of holding back.”
Photo: Will Hosier.
How do you adapt your voice and mannerisms to play both the Mother and the Witch?
“I think of them as two extremes. The Mother is tired, stressed, and trying to juggle the struggles of life with two kids and a husband and not enough money, not unlike many mothers today... Vocally, this means she’s got a bit of a sharp edge, and everything is more text-led and speech-driven, and her mannerisms are more grounded and slow. In this production I’m wearing seven-inch platform heels, which creates a whole new way of moving on the stage.
The Witch, on the other hand, is all excess: bigger gestures, more vocal colours, laughter, more freedom in the voice and the music. Physically and vocally I let myself take up much more space, so the contrast is really clear for the audience.”
What are three words to describe this show?
“Magical, playful, and a little bit spooky.”
What are three words to describe the music?
“Luscious, lyrical, and enchanting.”
What’s your favourite part of the show?
“Choosing one favorite part of this show is very hard, so I have to say that the puppets are my favorite part. Nearly everyone in the show gets to become a puppeteer and they add such magic to the story. “
Why will kids love Hansel and Gretel?
“You’ll be taken on a real adventure. There’s humour, amazing characters, spectacle, danger, and also music that you’ll be humming on the way home. The Witch is deliciously scary, the children are brave and clever, and everything is very visual. It’s the kind of opera that completely pulls kids into a different world and one that i wish i had seen growing up!”
Hansel and Gretel, featuring Claire Barnett Jones as the Mother and the Witch, runs JAN 31-FEB 6 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Find tickets here.
Rehearsal photos by Will Hosier.