David Gyasi – Carnival Row

By starrymag | September 5, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects you are working on?

 

A) “Carnival Row,” Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Come Away, Hell On The Border, “The A Word”

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the upcoming series “Carnival Row.”

 

A) Two lands…One full of wonderful mythology and mythical creatures and the other inhabited by humans.  Unfortunately, one of the lands and its various tribes fight for years over the rule and possession of the other one.  Can you guess which ones which?  In the end the mythical land “Tirnanoc” is invaded and becomes untenable and its residents are forced to flee to survive. So, they seek refuge in the very land where their attackers and so-called defenders reside “The Burge” and thus “Carnival Row” begins.  One of my colleagues, Tamzin Merchant, brilliantly describes it as the tale of what happens after the Fairytale ends.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

 

A) To simply read, “the world is hugely stimulating.” However, there was a particular moment that gripped me and it was the scene where writer and creator Travis Beacham had a baby fairy wash up on the shore of The Burge dead. I first came across the project around 2015, not long after we saw those horrific images of three-year-old Alan Kurdi wash up dead on a Turkish beach after attempting to try to escape conflict.  This visceral reflection of what was going on in our world made me desperately want to be involved.

 

Q) How was Mr. Agreus Astrayon originally described to you?

 

A) As this anomaly that appears seemingly from nowhere to shake things up in Finistere Crossing – The finest part of The Burge.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the character that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) The head of his walking stick being a Panther. I felt like that that symbol matched his movement, power and drive!

 

Q) What did you find challenging about getting into character and in his mindset?

 

A) Once I found out a little about his history and how he came to amass the wealth and standing that he has, I found that challenging and went from huge administration for him to a guttural hatred.  I’ve since made my peace with him, otherwise it would have been somewhat impossible to play.

 

Q) Were you looking forward to sharing a scene with any of your costars in particular?

 

A) Yes, as the scripts were presented to us it became apparent that I had some incredibly stimulating stuff with the Spurnrose family played by Tamzin Merchant, Andrew Gower and Tracey Wilkinson. The power dynamic shifting and political repartee was sumptuous.

 

Q) How does the setting for the series almost take on a role in itself?

 

A) The whole team have all come with a truly incredible level of heart and commitment.  From the set design to the costume, makeup, hair, cinematography and the backdrop of glorious Prague.  All combine to cause this world to live and breath before any actor even enter let alone utter a word.

 

Q) Talk about working with costars Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne.

 

A) Sadly, I didn’t get to work with them as our storylines never cross but what I will say is I sat next to Cara at the first read through and was blown away by her energy and commitment to the role it was palpable! And I am so grateful that both Orlando and Cara have lent their star quality to this project. It will go a huge way to having people tune in!

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film or some memorable behind the scenes moments?

 

A) Sparring scenes with the Spurnrose family!

 

Q) Congrats on already earning a Season 2! What do you think it is about “Carnival Row” that has made it such a standout series?

 

A) I think it’s the things I’ve mentioned above as well as the fact that it is original source material. This is very rare in fantasy of this budget and scale and makes the reading and playing of it so alive!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan reaction you’ll be receiving?

 

A) I don’t know? Genuinely hadn’t thought of that…I guess I like most people generally welcome any love and support I get so that’ll be nice.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

 

A) I see every single one of you as a blessing.  Thank you!

 

 

 

 Carnival Row is now available on Prime Video