In conversation with Gabriel Akuwudike on Dealing With Clair

Mike (Tom Mothersdale) and Liz (Hara Yannas) are selling their house. Clair (Lizzy Watts), a young estate agent, is trying to sell the house. 

James (Michael Gould) wants to buy the house but he will only deal with Clair. At first, he appears distinguished and disarming. Clair will soon find out, this charming front hides something a lot more sinister.

Director Richard Twyman, revives Martin Crimp’s black comedy thriller at the Orange Tree Theatre.

The Artiscape interviewed actor Gabriel Akuwudike. 

His past Theatre performances includes A Gym Thing (Small Things Theatre); No One is an Island (Tangle); Troilus & Cressida (Sam Wanamaker Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe).

Gabriel plays three different characters in the play; Ashley, Vittorio and Toby.

 I asked him what was the biggest challenge about taking on these three roles?

Gabriel says “The biggest challenge has been switching the perspective of thought between them.”

“Toby and Ashley have pretty antithetical views on life, it seems to me. That’s also a blessing and really good fun to play with” he explains. “Then there’s Vittorio – he’s Italian and it’s a beautifully expressive language but ain’t so easy. That’s been a challenge.”

I asked Gabriel what attracted him to the play?

“On reading it, I was taken aback by how contemporary it seemed” he explains. “The characters are rich and the themes are super relevant today.”

“I think it’s got something very valuable to say about morals and human hypocrisy,” says Gabriel. “Also, Martin Crimp: his writing is razor sharp and very funny. So it felt like a privilege to be involved from the get go.”

The play has a very dark theme, what does Gabriel think the audience take away from this production?

“I think the common ground between the audience and the play is humanity” says Gabriel. “Monstrous as some of the characters’ behaviour can be, I think the humour and wit of Martin’s writing will leave the audience not only entertained but with many a question to ponder.”

Finally, what did he feel was challenging for the actors in bringing this script to life?

“Richard (Twyman, the director) has been incredibly open in helping us all find the play together,” says Gabriel. “The characters on the whole, maybe don’t come across as very likeable, they do and say some pretty awful things.”

“Martin has been great and really accommodated our questions. So we’ve been able to mine for the truth behind their actions and hopefully find their humanity” he concludes.

Dealing with Clair runs from  26 October 2018 — 1 December 2018 at the Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2SA.

To book visit the website.