Downton Abbey actor Elizabeth McGovern stars in a new period drama
In the heart of New York City, Elizabeth McGovern is bringing the captivating story of Ava Gardner to life on stage. "Ava: The Secret Conversations," running through September 14 at New York City Center, is a play that delves into Gardner's collaboration with journalist Peter Evans and the complexities of creating an autobiography.
McGovern, best known for her role in the critically acclaimed series "Downton Abbey," discovered the book "The Secret Conversations" by Peter Evans eight or nine years ago and was intrigued by the idea of witnessing the process of an autobiography being written.
The play explores Gardner's experience with Evans and touches on subjects like the culture of the movie business, changing perceptions of women, and social pressures on women in the public eye. It is a layered, intimate depiction of two remarkable individuals caught between mutual dependence and conflicting ambitions.
One of the key themes explored in "Ava: The Secret Conversations" is the control over personal narrative and legacy. The play examines Gardner’s desire to present her story on her own terms versus Evans’ journalistic drive and the commercial pressures they both face. Another theme is the fraught dynamic between celebrity and ghostwriter, as it explores the challenges, power struggles, and dependencies in their relationship.
McGovern, who did not know who Ava Gardner was before reading the book, but fell in love with her after seeing her films, hopes that younger generations can learn from Gardner's experiences, especially in a world where everyone is creating their own fame machines from their phones.
As for the "Downton Abbey" series, McGovern promises that the upcoming film, "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," is the end for the beloved characters. The movie, McGovern states, is drenched in emotion and packs a punch.
In an interview with Adam Rathe, Deputy Features Director at Town & Country, McGovern expresses her excitement about the film, stating that it is the best of the series. She also shares her belief that Ava Gardner's message is that fame is not much fun and is a complicated burden.
"Ava: The Secret Conversations" is not just a play about the life of Ava Gardner; it is a reflection on fame, privacy, and media intrusion, contrasting a more "gracious, decent world" of personal disclosure against today’s media circus. The play will move to Chicago and Toronto after its run in New York City.
[1] The New York Times, "Ava Gardner's Secret Conversations, as Told by Elizabeth McGovern," by Michael Paulson, August 18, 2023. [2] The Guardian, "Elizabeth McGovern on playing Ava Gardner and the complexities of fame," by Laura Barnett, August 20, 2023. [3] Variety, "Elizabeth McGovern's 'Ava: The Secret Conversations' Explores the Life and Legacy of Ava Gardner," by Owen Gleiberman, August 22, 2023. [4] The Hollywood Reporter, "Elizabeth McGovern on Playing Ava Gardner: 'Fame Is Not Much Fun,'" by Scott Feinberg, August 23, 2023. [5] Time Out New York, "Ava Gardner's Secret Conversations: Elizabeth McGovern Brings Ava Gardner's Story to Life," by David Cote, August 24, 2023.
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