Deaf actor Matty Gurney tells Katherine MacAlister about his successful sci-fi theatre show, Light, which arrives in his home town of Oxford next week

Oxford born and bred deaf actor Matty Gurney created and stars in Light, a new play which sold out at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe, and comes to the North Wall next week.

Talking to Matty through his translator we ask about the journey which brings him to the stage here for the first time.

So tell us about creating Light and where your ideas and inspiration came from?

“Light is inspired by Edward Snowden’s revelations about state surveillance,” he says. (Edward Joseph Snowden was the American computer professional who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency in 2013).

The ensuing nightmarish tale of love, betrayal and technological power depicts an Orwellian future where a totalitarian regime monitors the thoughts of its citizens through implants. Charged with hunting down ‘terrorists’ who seek illegal disconnection, a young government agent encounters an enigmatic figure from his shadowy past.

The wordless sci-fi thriller is performed in darkness and accompanied by a pulsating soundtrack, with director and writer George Mann performing the live vocals in real time during the performance. “Light is definitely one of the most technically ambitious and challenging productions we’ve made to date,” George agrees.

Theatre Ad Infinitum collaborated with Matty to develop Light, and it’s sell-out performances speak for themselves.

Now on a nationwide tour, we ask him how it feels to be appearing in Oxford?

“The best thing about this tour is that we’re going to perform at The North Wall. It will be the first time I’ve ever performed in my home town. It will be great to see my friends and I’m looking forward to tucking into my mum’s grub instead of hotel food while we’re there, “ he smiles.

The 39 year old, who lives in Blackbird Leys, said his interest in theatre began when he went to a deaf club in Oxford. “I realised that I was a good mimic and enjoyed copying people. Then I became interested in cinema. I remember going to see E.T., but I never imagined I’d become an actor.

“After college, I couldn’t find the right job. When a friend suggested that I should become an actor, I didn’t know there was a world of mime and physical theatre out there that I could work in. I started making contacts in the industry. I got a job with Channel 4 as a presenter on a show called VEE TV. I also acted in BBC Switch, a deaf TV drama and regularly appear on BBC’s See Hear.”

So once the tour is finished, what next for this up-and-coming actor? “Apart from the tour of Light, there are three auditions I’m waiting to hear back on at the moment. I’m also hoping to get into Small World, which is the world’s first deaf sitcom.” In other words we’ll be seeing a lot more of him.

CHECK IT OUT
Light comes to The North Wall in Summertown, from January 28-29. 
Tickets are £15 or £12 concs plus fee. See thenorthwall.com or call 01865 319450

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