We chatted to Nima about his role in Cyrano de Bergerac and being an Associate Artist with the Jamie Lloyd Company.
Hi Nima, for those who aren’t familiar with the play, what is Cyrano de Bergerac about? Without giving too much away, the story is about an outsider, Christian, who enters Paris, falls in love with Roxane, and butts heads with her cousin, Cyrano. And then it pops OFF. It’s also about the love of language, poetry and the effect of tradition on how art can progress.
And about war. Wicked story!
What can audiences expect from this production? Audiences can expect some rhymes and a good time. I don’t wanna give too much away but they can expect to feel welcomed, seen and to feel like the only reason the show is being put on is because they are here.
What made you want to be part of Cyrano de Bergerac? I’d known about Jamie being the wickedest director for a few years and wanted to work with
him. Then when I saw how lyrical Ligniere was and how dazzling the script was, I was like, “bro I gotta make this happen!”.
Could you tell me more about your character Ligniere? He’s a local lad Paris boy, a poet who is fighting against state oppression and for freedom of
speech. He is a friend of Cyrano and he introduces Cristian to Paris and the wordy world of its theatre.
As well as starring in this production, you are also an Associate Artist for the Jamie Lloyd Company – how did that come about? Me and Jamie would have a lot of amazing conversations about the incredible potential that theatre had to really be FOR the people and made BY the people. Not just an elite or particular segment of society. I was commissioned to write a play for JLC too and then it sort of naturally happened from there. Propa propa cool!
What have you enjoyed the most about working on the production so far? I have enjoyed so much, I just love how hell-bent we all are on delivering the best thing we
can for every single audience and that we are again offering £15 tickets to key workers, young people and those on benefits. This doesn’t happen in theatre. Ever.
By Emma Clarendon
Cyrano De Bergerac will play at the Harold Pinter Theatre from the 3rd February until the 12th March before heading to the Theatre Royal Glasgow from the 18th to the 26th March. To book your tickets click here or visit: Love Theatre.com, London Theatre Direct, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Last Minute.com, See Tickets or From the Box Office.