Lords of the Rings

May 2003, source: Velvet Magazine

Lords of the Rings

by Marja Henkel

They are not only celebrities in their home country New Zealand since the Lord Of The Rings-fever took over. Mark Ferguson about his colleague and friend: “Craig and I not only have our friendship in common, but the desire to spontaneously entertain people.” Long live the spirit – at least in New Zealand’s most popular actors in Europe and the USA at the time being.

It doesn’t take long to become known in the small island republic at the other end of the world – the population is only 3.5 million after all, with 25% being under 15 years old and watching fantasy-shows with a passion.

Ever since his short visit in Germany two months ago, the 32-year-old Aucklander Craig Parker has become one of the most searched for characters on the internet. The first thing you notice about the actor born in Suva (Fiji island) are his charismatic ink-blue eyes and his mischievous smile, when he arrives at Bonn’s “Martim” hotel for “Ringcon”, organized by the FedCon Co.Ltd., with his colleague and good friend Mark Ferguson. Both of them are surrounded by a large group of people immediately.

His two appearances on the silver screen as blond elf “Haldir” in Peter Jackson’s epic “The Lord Of The Rings” did not only earn him more publicity, but boosted the demand for Craig’s engagements drastically as well. “I’m nearly booked out with shootings, stage work and tours until next year”, says Parker.

All that although Craig is one of the most famous faces on New Zealand television. He acted his way into the hearts of many spectators with roles such as Guy Warner in “Shortland Street”, several episodes of the in Germany well-known shows “Xena”, “Hercules” and through countless theatre-comedy-appearances.

“In New Zealand many of the actors know each other, work together again and again in various shows. Just like a huge family! When Peter Jackson cast us for “Lord Of The Rings”, a lot of ‘Kiwi’-actors like Hugo Weaving, Marton Czorkas or Mark Ferguson came together. Working alongside friends gives you a different feel of security and unity, which shows in the movie.

At the moment I’m working on the musical “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Wellington Theatre, which is something very different from the whole science-fiction genre. Working in the musical or comedy branch is a big challenge as well”, Craig Parker explains.

The young lover of art, who prefers Chardonnay wine, likes to lie on his couch at home, writes e-mails passionately, devours books and counts shopping with his credit card among his pastimes, has little time for his private life.

One of his best friends is the smart actor Mark Ferguson, who comes from Auckland as well and, just like Craig Parker, plays an elf in Peter Jackson’s movie. “We’ve known each other for more than thirteen years”, says Ferguson. Those who would like to experience both actors’ Australian humour live on a German stage can do so at this year’s “Ringcon 2003” in Bonn from November 14th – 16th.

You can get information and tickets from the FedCon Co.Ltd. at: www.ringcon.de

velvet

Additional notes/corrections from Flannery:

Until the article appeared in “Velvet”-magazine in May 2003, six (not two) months have passed since Craig’s visit in Bonn/Germany.
2) The hotel’s name is “Maritim”, not “Martim”.
Ring*Con is not only organized by the FedCon Co.Ltd. (FedCon GmbH), but in co-operation with Stefan Servos (of www.herr-der-ringe-film.de), his team and the German Tolkien Society (DTG).
The correct spelling of Marton’s last name is Csokas.
The musical Craig worked on until early this year is called “The Rocky Horror Show”. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the movie version.
The original German article says Mark Ferguson “stems from” Auckland, which isn’t correct. He has lived in Auckland for many years now and continues to do so, but is a native Australian. (Thus the mention of their “Australian humour” can be considered partly true.)