I had come to enjoy Arcadia immensely through studying it as an exam text at school, so I was keen to be involved in the production being staged at the Oxford Playhouse in April this year. The roles of Gus and Augustus, for which I auditioned, are unique in the play in that they are written to be played by the same actor. The dual characterisation of the modern-day mute and his rather bumptious Etonian forebear was the main challenge of the role.
Gus's job is to addtension to some of the scenes and also to supply visual comedy through his mannerisms and habit of bolting off-stage whenever people start raising their voices. His attraction to Hannah hightlights a key theme of the play, that of the disruptive effect of "people fancying people who aren't supposed to be in that part of the plan." Also, of course, he is the natural inheritor of Thomasina's genius.
It was a great experience to be part of the production and have the chance to act in such a brilliant play.
Ben Speedy