The Unspoken | Q&A with Actor, Will Teller

What most appealed to you about The Unspoken?

Everyone will have a different opinion about The Unspoken and I like that. For me, The story is symbolic of how men, even with the best intentions, have oppressed women for centuries.

At moments, the audience are likely to hate your character, Jimmy. Did you have any reservations about playing him?

He’s certainly a character that can divide opinion, but I hope the audience will always find some way to have an element of pity for him. Playing Jimmy will be challenging because he’s everything that I’m not, but I want to present him honestly. Finding the logic Jimmy uses to justify his actions was remarkably easy as his behaviour is prevalent almost everywhere in society.

There’s a broken poetry about Jimmy’s life story. How difficult was it to find a connection with him?

He’s a really complex character who perceives his life to be full of tragedy and pain, but he lacks the necessary tools to deal with them. I found a connection in that, and also the anxiety that every parent feels to do the best for their child.

Your character displays a whole spectrum of emotions in this play. How did you prepare for this mentally?

Belief. I believe in what is happening in the play. Emotions are a response to what’s happening and what’s being said, so I try to find the truth of the moment and respond to it. Sometimes it helps to find some mental imagery that provokes the required emotion.

What three words would you use to sum up The Unspoken?

Oppressive, misguided, hopeful.

Do you see why people are comparing this play to the work of Pinter?

Pinter liked metaphors and The Unspoken is very metaphorical. However, Pinter wasn’t interested in backstory, but this play relies heavily on the past and the outside lives of the characters.

Why should people come to see The Unspoken?

Because it’s a play about misguided love and uncompromising attitudes in parenting. More importantly, the content is challenging because it underscores the relationships between men and women, especially fathers and daughters, and I believe that’s an important quality in art.

We’d like to thank Will for taking the time to speak to us, and can’t wait for
The Unspoken to begin its 2-week run at the Barons Court Theatre. There are 14 performances between 10th – 22nd September, and you can book your ticket from the link below.

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