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| Guy Copland as Professor Abraham Van Helsing with the madman Renfield (Gary Weinstein, seated) |
"Believe in what you cannot. That is the essence of faith. To
accept what cannot be proven." So says Professor Abraham Van Helsing, who
tries to get others to see the truth, even if it requires them to believe in what
they cannot see. Guy Copland plays
Van Helsing in the Farmington Players production of Dracula, which opens this Friday October 2nd. Guy describes Van Helsing as a “philosopher
and metaphysician who is ahead of his times. The most advanced scientist of his
day, he knows more about obscure diseases than anyone in the world. He is
noble, worldly, and has studied Count Dracula for many years. And thus, knows
of his secret and that vampires do exist.”
Despite this superior knowledge, Van Helsing tries to convey his
message in a manner that allows others to find the truth. As Guy says, “He knows more than anyone
else. Yet, he is humble by all means and not arrogant at all. Just a man who
can see things not only as they are, but as what they could be, and goes about
his business like any other person. Mainly because the world isn't ready for
some truths. … He answers a question with a question, or a riddle, in a way to
help whomever he is speaking with realize for themselves the obvious
answer, which is something that is not usually normally accepted
or excepted. As Van Helsing says, ‘I have learned not to
belittle anyone's beliefs - no matter how strange - for it is not the
ordinary things which close our minds, but the extraordinary things. Those mysteries on the fringe
of our thinking.’"
Guy can relate to the mysteries of Dracula
from some extraordinary personal experiences, including “the fact that I did
see a UFO not once but twice in the same night over a car factory one October
many years ago, and have seen, heard, and felt the presence of ghosts when I
worked at The Phoenix Theater back in the early 1980's. … I guess the fact that
I have indeed seen, heard, and do believe all my encounters to hold true, is
the same as Van Helsing who knows of vampires and their existence, yet
doesn't parade around telling people about them. After all, there are a great
many people would think us mad for doing so.”
Guy speaks glowingly of his
“top drawer” cast mates: “Meredith Deighton (Mina), who is a delight to work
with, David Galido (Dr. Seward) who is perfect in his role, and Gary Weinstein who
creates an absolutely memorable madman as Renfield.” Guy is no stranger to professorial
roles, having last graced the Barn stage as Professor Horace Gilmer in To
Kill A Mockingbird.
Guy is also a talented voice actor (see his website at www.motorcityvoiceover.com).
The Farmington
Players' production of Dracula
is proudly sponsored by Weinstein Jewelers. The show runs October 11
through November 2. Tickets can be purchased online at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the box office at
248-553-2955.
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