April 3, 2011 | Theatre,

“I am more than Amadeus.”

Part two of a three-part series on Oscar-winning actor F. Murray Abraham

By Alyssa Mulligan

Some may say that the pinnacle of actor F. Murray Abraham’s career was when he won the Academy Award for his portrayal of Antonio Salieri in the 1984 film Amadeus. Others may proclaim that this honor was in reality another case of “The Curse of the Oscar,” cuing the steady onset of career troubles. Abraham begs to differ.

In a discussion forum on Emerson College’s campus, Abraham proudly declared, “I am more than Amadeus.” His career, consisting of over 200 roles in both film and theatre, plus his latest reprisal as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, attests to that.

Abraham divides his career between TV and the stage because for him “one is a relief from the other.” In contrast to his younger years, Abraham says that he rarely, if ever, watches his own films because when he does, he always wishes he could go back and change his performance.

In response to a question that was posed about his preference of theatre versus film, Abraham shared his beliefs on the value of theatre over movies. Whereas the movie never changes, Abraham explains, “I need you [the audience] in the theatre. It’s an exchange; you’re as important as I am. Even if one of you weren’t there, the energy would change.”

Contribute your energy to Abraham’s performance by attending The Merchant of Venice, coming to the Cutler Majestic Theatre March 29 to April 10!