William Grint is starring in Deafinitely Theatre’s 4.48 Psychosis as it embarks on a UK tour.
Following its sold-out run at New Diorama Theatre and Derby Theatre in 2018, the award-winning Deafinitely Theatre revives its ground-breaking bilingual production of Sarah Kane’s searing, final play about mental health.
Opening at New Diorama Theatre on 31 October, with previews from 29 October and running until 6 November; the production then tours to Derby Theatre from 8– 10 November, before concluding its run at Wales Millennium Centre from 20 – 23 November.
You’re starring in 4.48 Psychosis as it heads out on tour, how would you describe the play?
The play is thought-provoking, challenging and it deals with a very important topic.
How did you get involved with Deafinitely theatre?
I have been involved with Deafinitely Theatre since I started acting, I joined Deafinitely Youth Theatre when I was only 13 and with the company, I’ve learnt so much about the acting world and had some great opportunities. It is really nice to finally come back to Deafinitely Theatre to act in the main production this time!
Do you think there are enough opportunities for deaf actors, and how do you think the industry could better make theatre accessible for deaf audiences and performers?
I would say that in the past few years, there have been more opportunities for deaf actors in the theatre because of the diversity agenda, but I still think there could be a lot more. To me accessibility in the theatre feels much slower, there are so many shows that only have one captioned performance and one interpreted performance in the whole run. But I have seen more shows that take an integrated approach which is great.
What’s the most challenging thing for you as an actor performing in this play?
Clarity. The translating process has been the hardest part of the rehearsal. Sarah Kane has written complicated but beautiful work and I want to tell the story accurately, just how she wanted it to be told. It is important to make sure nothing is lost through the translating of abstract ideas in English to BSL.
Why do you think Sarah Kane’s writing continues to be so appealing to audiences?
It’s brave, shocking, dramatic and really hard to watch. The pain is communicated so strongly to the audience. But audiences want to be affected by what they watch; theatre should move us! I also think that because it is challenging to understand, a director can make different choices. People will see a different perspective, bringing out new layer every time.
What are you looking forward to most about being out on tour with this production?
I love being with the team! We are all so supportive of each other. I know I will be comfortable with the team on this production. It is my first time working professionally with a Deaf theatre director too which is really great! Also I think spreading awareness of mental health, especially in the Deaf community is really important. We want to encourage discussion and destroy the taboo.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see 4.48 Psychosis?
Bring tissues and friend. It will open your mind and get you thinking
4.48 Psychosis featuring William Grint is at The New Diorama Theatre from 29th October before touring.
Main Image: William Grint in rehearsal for 4.48 Psychosis c. Samuel Dore
