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Nick Ashdon, the 27 years old leading
actor of "El Greceo" has always lived in London, but studied Literature
at Cambridge University for three years where he acted in and directed a
very many plays, invaluable dramatic experience. He trained at the Royal
Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London for another three years. The
final year there consists of performances for the public, which is where
Iannis Smaragdis first saw him act...
Which elements of the personality
of Domenico Theotocopoulos make you motivated most as an actor and
intend trying to give as clear as possible by your acting?
I think the most interesting enigmas about Domenico for anyone, whether
they’re acting him or just contemplating his art, are the differences
you find in him. Here is a man, with every man’s anxieties, who leaves
his homeland and his family to pursue his beliefs. He meets huge
opposition and challenges, and has many doubts in his life. Yet his art
is glorious, it transcends reality. I guess what’s fascinating is trying
to find out where the man ends and where the genius begins, and what
aspects of a man’s psychology fuel the genius...
Describe a little bit your relationship with the director and the whole
cast.
As I said, the atmosphere on set is great – we’re all working very hard
in collaboration to realise Iannis’s great vision of this unique man’s
life. There’s a great sense of fun but we must never forget that we’re
trying to make a beautiful and important film, and that’s serious work.
Of course strong relationships form on set, because we all rely on each
other. Matsouka and I are having a lot of fun. And I’ve a very special
bond with Iannis, which I belief was present from the first moment we
met. Before filming I spent a lot of time with Lakis and Theodorus, who
plays my brother Manusos. We’re now very close, and I couldn’t do my job
or have fun afterwards without their support. I haven’t actually laughed
as much in my life as since I’ve been here...
What feeling have you experienced from your staying in the homeland of
Theotocopoulos- the island of Crete -and the people?
The joy and wisdom of its people, who have welcomed and looked after
me with huge generosity, and the beauty and ancient spirituality of the
mountains. The traffic in Heraklion is crazy though!
Eva Psyllaki |
