The Birmingham Post (England); 8/21/2000
Rupert Penry-Jones has won this year's Sunday Times/World National Theatre Ian Charleson Award for outstanding performance by a young actor in classical theatre.
Rupert was nominated for his portrayal of the title role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Friedrich Schiller's Don Carlos, first staged at The Other Place last year.
Rupert, who was making his RSC debut, had previously appeared in films including Virtual Sexuality and Still Crazy. He has also played the title role in the BBC1 drama The Student Prince.
Michael Attenborough, the RSC's principal association director, commented: 'Rupert is one of the most exciting young actors of his generation. He possesses a wonderful ability to express complex ideas and ornate language in a seemingly effortless way that is both clear and completely contemporary.'
The award was established in 1990 in memory of the lateChariots of Fire star Ian Charleson.
It is given to actors under the age of 30 appearing in plays written up to 1904, the year of the death of Chekhov.
Previous winners have included Toby Stephens, Emma Fielding and Alexandra Gilbreath, who is currently playing Juliet in the RSC's Romeo and Juliet.
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