Following a sell-out run last year, Forward Arena brings Callisto: a queer epic, back to Arcola Theatre as their final production this year. Directed by Thomas Bailey, Callisto: a queer epic is a collection of remarkable queer stories written by Hal Coase.
In London, 1680, opera star Arabella Hunt has secretly entered into the first recorded gay marriage in UK history. In Worcester, 1936, Alan Turing pays one final visit to Isobel Morcom, mother of his lost first love, Christopher. In the San Fernando Valley, 1979, Tammy Frazer arrives at Callisto Pornographic Studios, searching for the love of her life. And on the Moon, 2223, Lorn is building a paradise to sleep in, but Cal, his A.I. companion, is determined to keep him awake.
We spoke to cast member Darren Siah to find out more.
You’re appearing in Callisto: a queer epic at The Arcola Theatre, what can you tell us about it?
Callisto is a really exciting new play about the lives of numerous queer characters scattered across different moments in time. In the space of around 90 minutes, we cover the first recorded lesbian marriage in the UK between Arabella Hunt and Amy Poulter in 1680 – a Nebraskan housewife Tammy Frazer arrives at Callisto Studios in the late 70’s in search of one of the studios most notorious performers Daisy Lew…we then jump to a conversation between Alan Turing and Isobel Morcom (the mother of his first love Christopher) in the mid 1930’s – finishing in the year 2223 with Lorn and his A.I companion Cal.
How did you get involved in it?
The casting process was very quick and happened in quite an unexpected way! I was part of one of the Arcola Theatre’s Facebook groups and found out about the opportunity through Tom (Our Director) himself! I had two auditions for the role and was offered to play the part of Alan – which I am still giddy about to this day! It’s been such an incredible experience and I am really excited for people to come see the production!
You play three different characters, how do you deal with that as an actor?
I have to admit I was a little nervous before rehearsals started about playing these three distinctive characters as they couldn’t be more different from each other: I play John Dryden, A porn actor named Blake in the 70’s… and mathematician Alan Turing. However, now that we’re close to performing… it’s just pure joy to flip between these different people as you get to experience the play from three different perspectives. It’s just really fun to get to use different voices, and character traits and so on…
Which of the three is your favourite and why?
I think Alan’s story.
Not that I don’t love the other two characters just as much– but I think Alan and Isobel’s relationship is a really layered and interesting one to watch. There’s lots of context to play with – and Pheobe Hames (Isobel Morcom) who I act opposite has just been a dream to work with!
What have you found most surprising about Hal Coase’s writing while you have been rehearsing?
Personally, the most surprising thing I find about Hal’s writing… is how vividly he has been able to capture these four different storylines, whilst at the same time, interlinking them to each other.
Each rehearsal has been like its own mini-discovery… where you find new resonances and links to another character or storyline! I think it will make for a very moving performance and special night at the theatre!
What would you say to anyone thinking about coming to see Callisto: a queer epic?
I’d say be prepared to see something unlike you’ve ever seen before. One of my favourite lines in the play comes from Amy who states: “I am… as anyone who’s ever been” …and I think that beautifully illustrates that though times, people and places change – we are all more connected than we may think.
Callisto: a queer epic is at the Arcola Theatre from the 5th – 23rd December. Tickets from £12.00 and can be purchased here, or by calling the box office on 020 7503 1646.
