Joseph Marcell is often recognized as Geoffrey, the butler he played on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Eight years ago, however, someone recognized him for a different role, which set in motion the actor’s journey to La Grande.

“I was in a show in San Diego, and someone came up to me after a rehearsal and said, ‘Don’t I know you?’” Marcell said.

Grant Turner, now the artistic director of the La Grande Shakespeare Company, was at the rehearsal as a “fly on the wall.” He wanted to see the show’s director, of whom he was a fan, but he also recognized Marcell.

Thinking Turner meant his former television character, Marcell started to nod. Instead, Turner identified Marcell for his work in “Antony and Cleopatra” in the 1970s.

“It was marvelous,” Marcell said. “That was my first job out of school, and I could not believe I was recognized for that.”

The two ended up developing a relationship that spanned the globe. Along the way, the men got to talking about a part Marcell had long wanted to play: the title character in what was likely William Shakespeare’s first tragedy, “Titus Andronicus.” Turner decided if he could ever make that happen, he would.

Now, thanks to necessary resources provided by the La Grande Arts Commission and Bend Shakespeare in the Park, Turner is making good on his promise.

Connecting with his audience

Despite frequent reminders of his six-season turn as Geoffrey, Marcell said he doesn’t miss “Fresh Prince” or other past screen roles.

“I don’t think you should try to conflate the types (of entertainment),” he said. “It is the same profession, to an extent, but they are so different.”

To him, the TV comedy was just another “assignment.” Now, he’s focused on his passion for Shakespeare’s words.

Marcell, who has performed in the Royal Shakespeare Company and is on the board at The Globe, a playhouse and acting company in London, said the true testament to Shakespeare’s words is that they are still studied and shared hundreds of years later.

“(The Globe doesn’t focus on) the editors, directors or even the actors,” he said. “It’s the plays themselves.”

He so thoroughly enjoys sharing Shakespeare’s genius that he has no concern for the size of the audience. Marcell said he has been part of a cast that outnumbered the audience.

“I once played a show for three people,” he said. “We had six in the cast, not including the crew. Small audiences have never been a problem for me. You just make contact with them (no matter the size of the crowd).”

Expansion for a young theatre troupe

Turner said having someone with Marcell’s level of experience and talent in the room forces the three-year-old La Grande Shakespeare Company to raise its bar.

Marcell, however, believes that feeling is reciprocal.

“We learn from each other,” he said. “I’m not so pompous to think I know everything there is to know. It’s the sharing of knowledge that is valuable, not (collecting it) to keep it to yourself.”

Aries Annitya, who traveled from Portland to play Aaron in “Titus Andronicus,” said he hopes to glean more than technical acting skills from Marcell.

“There’s something about the way Joseph carries himself,” Annitya said. “He tries to get to know everyone and lets them know that he appreciates them. So many people in our society lack that compassion, but he exudes it.”

He said Marcell puts that compassion into everything he does as a person and as an actor. Annitya said he is excited to experience that throughout the production.

Turner said having Marcell in the show will help build community support.

“That name recognition will certainly be positive,” he said. “We will get people who are just there because they want to see ‘Geoffrey’ in real life. Hopefully, the show’s so good they come back to the next one.”

‘Best free Shakespeare experience on the West Coast’

The “Titus Andronicus” production, held Aug. 10-12 in Riverside Park, will be free and open to the public. Turner said the idea of having a show with such a prolific actor available to the public for free is “insane.”

The production for “Titus Andronicus” started through Bend’s Shakespeare in the Park, which Turner and the La Grande company have done for a few years. While trying to pick this year’s play, the producer expressed interest in presenting “Titus.”

Turner knew the perfect actor and called Marcell to get him involved.

“Bend gives me a budget every year,” Turner said. “That covered about 75 percent of my expenses.”

To cover the rest, Turner spoke to the La Grande Arts Commission with a pitch to bring the production to town.

“I think we met for less than five minutes, and they were on board,” he said.

Evna Stacey, chairperson for the La Grande Arts Commission, said the group embraced the opportunity to assist a local arts organization.

“Part of the La Grande Arts Commission’s new mission is to create an identity for La Grande that is not just about its agriculture, but also about its art and music and theatre,” Stacey said.

Stacey said if this show is as successful as she believes it will be, there could be further collaboration with the acting troupe.

“We’re hoping this becomes a recurring thing that we can build upon,” Stacey said. “We would love to see La Grande have its own Renaissance-type of fair with Shakespeare performances incorporated.”

Additionally, the partnership with the arts commission could result in a permanent stage at Riverside Park. The stage would be used for future theatre performances and concerts.

“Hopefully, that’s the legacy of all of this, to have that permanent stage,” Turner said.

He said the arts commission has also offered volunteers to help build the stage and set pieces and donated the wine and snacks for Monday’s season reveal party.

Turner said he is impressed with La Grande’s support for the arts.

“Portland has a love-hate relationship with theatre,” he said. “La Grande has such a hunger for arts, and I have never felt as appreciated as I do here.”

Contact Emily Adair at 541-786-4235 or eadair@lagrandeobserver.com. Follow Emily on Twitter @goNEoregon.