Sarah Snook Shines in Broadway’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’
In a recent revelation, Sarah Snook clarified the pronunciation of her last name, stating it is “Snuke,” akin to the word nuke, instead of “Snook” as in book or took. The Australian actress is currently captivating audiences on Broadway in a unique adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, where she expertly embodies 26 distinct characters through a visually dynamic performance.
A Chameleon Performance
Snook, 37, takes on the lead role in Wilde’s exploration of eternal youth and moral decay. The production features innovative elements such as live camera feeds and LED screens, allowing her to navigate between various identities that reflect the complex themes of the story. As she transitions between characters, Snook engages the audience with a heartfelt interpretation rarely attributed to Wilde’s work. “People don’t often credit Oscar Wilde with something heartfelt,” she mentioned during an interview.
Empathy and the Human Condition
In response to the emotional depth of Wilde’s narrative, Snook noted, “Yeah, he has a lot of pathos. I think there’s a lot of empathy for the human condition… seeing the soul as a real thing that one might need to protect.” This perspective brings a fresh relevance to a story first published in 1890, which faced criticism for its “morally depraved” elements.
Modern Resonance
Snook believes the work resonates particularly well today, remarking on our current “image-based culture” influenced by platforms like Instagram. “Part of the reason of playing multiple different characters is about choosing which mask is the right mask,” she explained, highlighting the contemporary struggle with public versus private identity.
The Journey to Stardom
Following her acclaim overseas, Snook gained recognition among American viewers for her role as Siobhan “Shiv” Roy in the critically acclaimed series Succession. Despite her character’s ruthless nature, Snook initially hesitated to audition for the role due to the stark contrast between herself and the wealthy, glamorous Shiv. “There was nothing in myself that I could see as… accessible in that character,” she admitted.
This attraction to complex antiheroes is a hallmark of Snook’s career. Reflecting on her childhood, she expressed a fascination with Disney villains such as Ursula and Scar, characters defined by their intricate motivations.
Early Experiences and Challenges
Her early experiences in acting, particularly performing at children’s fairy parties in her native Adelaide, provided a rigorous testing ground for her skills. “Kids tell you if they’re not interested,” she noted. In these settings, Snook faced direct challenges from audiences, prompting her to refine her craft.
Collaboration on Stage
Kip Williams, the director of Dorian Gray, recognized Snook’s potential early in his career and sought to collaborate with her. He emphasizes that Wilde’s notion of life as theater informs the production’s structure, with Snook embodying all the characters as an expression of this idea. He frames the performance as a “one-person show,” though acknowledges the essential role of the camera crew as co-performers.
Adapting to the Stage
For Snook, the connection with the camera is familiar, having experienced it during her time on Succession. “The feeling of a camera really close to you… I think that’s something that was really useful,” she said. This familiarity has allowed her to transition seamlessly into live performance.
Balance in Life and Career
Now balancing her new Broadway role with personal life—Snook got married during the pandemic and has welcomed a daughter. However, she manages to navigate her burgeoning career without feeling overwhelmed. Reflecting on her Broadway debut, she quoted her director: “You can only eat an elephant one spoonful at a time.” With a laugh, she recognized new challenges ahead, stating, “No, now I’ve gotta eat the Broadway part of the elephant!”
For more insights into Snook’s performance, watch the extended interview here, and check out the trailer for The Picture of Dorian Gray on YouTube.
