Diploma Spotlight: Luc de Freitas
We caught up with Luc de Freitas, who studied on Central’s Gap Year Diploma in 2022-23. In May 2023, Luc appeared in ‘The Second Woman’, a landmark production at the Young Vic starring Ruth Wilson, in which the award-winning actor performed a break-up scene 100 times over 24 hours.
How did your role in ‘The Second Woman’ come about?
They sent a call out for male and non-binary people for a performance opportunity around February and from that we were invited to an audition workshop, although we didn’t know what it would be for at this point. There was a huge variety of different people in the audition room of all ages, backgrounds, heights etc. We played some improv games and did some tongue twisters and they were filming the whole process.
What was your experience of sharing a stage with Ruth Wilson?
The whole experience was so odd that weirdly she became the only thing that felt real in the room! It was so interesting to see how she worked in this scene because most of the time the power was with her partner as it was us who could improvise and start a new narrative. I wasn’t keen on establishing any context or specific scenario, I was more intrigued by the connection between two people in a setting like this, which was really strange with an invisible audience reacting at the most random times. What was great about her was that she was so open and generous on stage, she made me feel so grounded which I really appreciated.
How did your training on Central’s Gap Year Diploma come into play?
The main thing I took away from the Gap Year Diploma was to just be playful and open to anything and without that I don’t even think I would’ve even signed up for The Second Woman, let alone perform in it! The best thing you could’ve done in preparation for the production was just to be ready for anything and Central really granted me that.
What’s next for you as an actor?
Hopefully many more random things like this soon! This week I worked with Rebecca Frecknall in a directing workshop at the Almeida as part of their Romeo and Juliet For Free festival and I start rehearsals soon for my next play Education Education Education at the Omnibus Theatre. Then I’ll be with the National Youth Music Theatre in their production of Merrily We Roll Along at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant at the end of August and I’ll be joining National Youth Theatre in September. I can’t wait to see what else is in store!
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Central offers a range of diploma courses, including the Gap Year Diploma. Find out more on our Diplomas page.
The Second Woman was a Young Vic & LIFT co-production, produced in association with Ruth Wilson. Presented in proud association with House of Oz. The production ran at the Young Vic 19-20 May 2023. Learn more on the Young Vic website.
