This Much is True by Miriam Margolyes: Book Overview

Have you ever wondered what it's like to grow up in a Jewish household in Oxford? Or how an actress navigates the male-dominated world of comedy and theater?

In This Much Is True, Miriam Margolyes shares her captivating life story. You'll learn about her strict religious upbringing, her journey through the entertainment industry, and her outspoken views on political issues.

Let's dive into Margolyes' memoir and explore the fascinating experiences that shaped this beloved actress and activist.

Overview of This Much is True

Miriam Margolyes' This Much Is True explores her multifaceted life and career as a distinguished actress. Born into a traditional Jewish family in Oxford, the memoir chronicles her journey from early immersion in theater and broadcast arts to her acclaimed film roles, displaying a remarkable versatility across many creative mediums.

The book also recounts her personal experiences, including her longtime partnership with Heather and her evolving perspectives on social justice and political issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recounting both triumphs and challenges, Margolyes provides an unvarnished account of navigating relationships, beliefs, and controversies over her lifetime.

Early Life and Jewish Upbringing

Miriam Margolyes' formative years were deeply rooted in Jewish traditions and culture. Growing up in an Oxford-based Jewish household, she experienced a strict religious upbringing that shaped her worldview and values.

In her family, Jewish customs and religious practices were held in high regard. They diligently observed the Sabbath, refraining from work and the use of electrical devices during this period of rest. Their Orthodox Jewish home adhered to dietary laws that conformed to religious requirements, and they celebrated major Jewish holidays like Yom Kippur and Passover. Even though Margolyes doesn't personally adhere to religious beliefs now, she continues to participate in various Jewish traditions as a way to honor her ancestral heritage.

The bond between Margolyes and her parents was particularly strong. As an only child, she was doted on and cosseted within a supportive family setting. Her mother played a significant role in shaping her perspective on social structures and nurturing her passion for cultural activities like dance and theater. Both parents placed a high value on academic success, greatly influencing Margolyes' educational prospects and potential for social advancement.

Navigating Social Hierarchies in Oxford

Growing up in Oxford, Margolyes gained an early understanding of the complexities associated with social hierarchy. Her mother taught her how to distinguish between selecting friends and recognizing those who should be regarded as 'common'. This early education in social stratification became more apparent as Margolyes progressed through her years at Oxford High School, where she grew increasingly conscious of the social and academic divides.

These experiences in navigating social hierarchies would later inform Margolyes' perspectives on class and society, contributing to her outspoken nature on social issues later in life.

Intellectual Growth and Early Performance Skills

From a young age, Margolyes demonstrated an innate ability to engage audiences and deliver orations. Her talent for captivating an audience was evident in various situations, whether she was simulating a swoon to capture attention or excelling in scholarly speech competitions. Through exploring the art of clear and expressive speech, she refined her ability to communicate effectively, a skill that would prove invaluable in her later career in the creative sector.

The Margolyes family fostered a deep respect for intellectual pursuits while also committing themselves to the concept of fairness in society. Miriam's understanding of the ethical dimensions in literature was influenced not only by her interactions with distinguished scholars at Cambridge but also by the high regard her family had for these intellectuals. In discussions about politics and social class, she noted the deep connection between community and culture present in their religious congregation.

These early experiences laid the groundwork for Margolyes' later life as an engaged, socially conscious individual. Her personal narrative was intimately intertwined with her Jewish background, molded by the post-war intellectual resurgence in Europe, and shaped by her active engagement in literary and theatrical pursuits.

Theater, Film, and Broadcasting Career

Miriam Margolyes' career spans across theater, cinema, and broadcasting, showcasing her versatility as an actress and voice artist. Her journey in the entertainment industry is marked by memorable roles and diverse experiences.

Early Theater and Comedy

Margolyes' acting career began at Cambridge, where she was involved in theatrical productions with various college drama societies. She showcased works by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and modern playwrights. Her enthusiasm for the performing arts intensified when she joined the Footlights troupe at Cambridge University, which was predominantly male. Despite facing prejudice from her male peers, Margolyes' wit distinguished her and helped her overcome challenges in the male-dominated realm of comedic acts and solo performances.

Her breakthrough came with the 1962 Footlights production, which not only earned her widespread acclaim but also caught the attention of a BBC producer. This led to her first position as a voice actor in the Afternoon Theatre play Defeating Mrs Dresden after successfully auditioning for the BBC Drama Repertory Company. This opportunity paved the way for regular engagements with the radio branch of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Navigating a Male-dominated Industry

Margolyes' journey in the entertainment industry wasn't without its struggles. She often experienced a sense of not belonging and discomfort in the comedic sphere, nurturing a sense of grievance regarding how certain male colleagues treated her. She harbored bitterness toward that setting after being deliberately excluded from a traditional ritual signifying the conclusion of a creative project.

Despite these challenges, Margolyes persevered, leveraging her vocal talent and physical presence to embody a diverse array of roles across different platforms. Her versatility played a crucial role during her time with the BBC Radio Repertory Company, enabling her to assume multiple characters and consistently engage in a diverse array of radio plays each week.

Stage Performances and Film Roles

Margolyes received acclaim for her acting in various theatrical productions. Her role as Yente in Fiddler on the Roof during her UK tour was particularly memorable, even though singing wasn't her strong suit, leading to the exclusion of her musical piece. Her stage performances are especially noted for her role in the 1993 production of She Stoops to Conquer, directed by Sir Peter Hall.

Her experiences in live theatre ranged from working alongside beloved actors like David Essex and Donald Sinden, who had a unique rapport with the audience, to handling unexpected events like an audience member's epileptic fit during her performance in "Dickens' Women." She also fondly remembers the thrilling occasions when a royal family member visited her backstage after her shows.

In television and film, Margolyes took on a variety of roles that showcased her range as an actress. She played a comically unattractive Spanish Infanta in Blackadder and took on profoundly emotional dramatic roles, one of which in The Age of Innocence earned her a BAFTA. Her reputation grew significantly through characters she portrayed in films like Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, her humorous performance alongside Kevin Kline in I Love You to Death, and her distinguished portrayal of Pomona Sprout in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

Voice Acting and Animation

Margolyes has also gained recognition for her contributions to the field of animation. She has lent her voice to a variety of animated works by DreamWorks and Disney, including roles such as the Matchmaker in Mulan and the nurturing sheepdog Fly in "Babe." Her vocal talents have also been featured in esteemed radio comedies, including Oh Get On With It and The Betty Witherspoon Show, where she worked alongside renowned figures such as the iconic Kenneth Williams.

Throughout her career, Miriam Margolyes has demonstrated an exceptional ability to succeed across different areas of the entertainment industry, all while preserving her unique character and commitment to her craft.

Personal Relationships and Sexuality

Miriam Margolyes' personal life, particularly her long-term partnership with Heather, forms a significant part of her memoir. Her experiences navigating relationships and her sexuality during a less accepting era provide insight into the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the past.

Partnership With Heather

Margolyes' relationship with Heather is a testament to enduring love and commitment. Their bond developed against a backdrop of Miriam's history of romantic turmoil, characterized by deep-seated jealousy and rejection. Heather, whom Miriam describes as her total opposite, became the anchor in her life. Miriam firmly believes that wherever Heather resides is where she will forever regard as her enduring home.

Their relationship has spanned numerous years, with daily conversations and in-person meetings about eight times a year. Despite the physical distance, their connection is characterized by profound fondness, mutual respect, reliance, and a shared dedication to honesty. The longevity and strength of their partnership highlight the power of love to overcome societal barriers and personal differences.

Navigating Sexuality in a Less Accepting Era

Margolyes' journey of self-discovery and acceptance occurred during a time when society was less tolerant of same-sex relationships. Her yearning to establish connections among her female peers is exemplified by an encounter with a young woman from Norway on the subway, which eventually led to a partnership. This experience, along with others, helped Margolyes understand and embrace her sexuality, despite the challenges posed by societal norms of the time.

Family Tensions and Acceptance

Margolyes faced significant obstacles in securing acceptance from her relatives, largely due to her sexual orientation. When she disclosed her partnership with Heather and her sexual orientation, her parents were taken aback and saddened. Her mother, who viewed relationships between individuals of the same sex as dishonorable, demanded that Miriam vow on the Torah to end any romantic ties with women. This was an oath that proved impossible for Miriam to uphold due to her profound connection to Heather.

The tension within family relationships was palpable, and Miriam struggled to reconcile her love for her family with her authentic self. However, over time, she managed to warm up the initially chilly exchanges. Even Heather's mother, who initially reacted with surprise upon discovering their relationship, came to accept their partnership.

Miriam's journey of healing with her extended family involved choosing fascination over shame regarding their intricate history, and delving into the clandestine activities of her forebears. She places great importance on her familial ties and cherishes the relationship with Franca, who has become almost like a sister due to her close rapport with Miriam's parents.

These experiences highlight the complex interplay between sexuality, family, and societal expectations, and demonstrate Margolyes' resilience in staying true to herself while maintaining important relationships.

Political Activism and Controversies

Miriam Margolyes is known not only for her work in the performing arts but also for her involvement in political issues, particularly her stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Her memoir delves into her growing political consciousness, her participation in social justice movements, and the reactions she's received due to her controversial position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Developing Political Consciousness

Margolyes' political awareness was significantly shaped during her time at Cambridge University, particularly through her association with the Hodgkin family. This connection was instrumental in forming her progressive political beliefs. Despite knowing her parents held more conservative views, she wasn't afraid to confront them with her evolving perspectives.

Her activism was ignited by witnessing the oppression of black South Africans during the apartheid era. She demonstrated her dedication to the cause through active participation in the London-based Anti-Apartheid Movement and involvement in various protests. For over thirty years, Margolyes has played a pivotal role in Equity, the actors' union, particularly in their stance against apartheid. She championed global boycotts designed to pressure the ruling authorities within South Africa.

Stance on the Israel-palestine Conflict

Margolyes' views on the Israel-Palestine conflict have been a source of controversy. She staunchly criticizes Israeli authorities for their treatment of Palestinians, condemning what she sees as oppressive actions and calling for a view of Palestinians that aligns with the humanitarian principles inherent in Judaism.

Her experiences in the region have deeply affected her perspective. She was disturbed by the behavior of some Israeli citizens towards Palestinians, which she observed ranged from vandalism to acts of brutality. Additionally, she underwent severe interrogations at the hands of Israel's security personnel, which further shaped her views on the conflict.

Margolyes emphasizes the importance of a unified approach to land distribution and maintains that equity should be standard practice. She calls on those of Jewish descent living abroad to leverage their influence to drive change within Israel. Her critiques extend to both governments and settlers, and she urges people to travel to Palestine themselves to directly witness the situation.

Facing Backlash

Margolyes' outspoken views on the Israel-Palestine conflict have come at a personal cost. She has faced significant opposition and sparked heated discussions within Jewish circles. Some have accused her of harboring self-hatred for her Jewish identity, while others have gone as far as to label her actions as terrorism.

These viewpoints led to her being ostracized by the Jewish community in North London, affecting her personal relationships and resulting in her feeling unwelcome in synagogues and at establishments that offer kosher cuisine. Despite these challenges, Margolyes persists in championing the causes she deems fair, refusing to endorse any actions taken in her name that she finds to be unjust.

Her unwavering dedication to sharing her perspectives, despite considerable emotional turmoil and the potential loss of connections, underscores her strong adherence to her values. Margolyes' willingness to confront the repercussions of her stance in pursuit of what she believes to be the greater good demonstrates her commitment to her principles, even in the face of significant personal and professional consequences.