An interview with Caliban (Greg Nussen) by Carla

NextGen members have been going behind the scenes and interviewing actors in CSC's production of The Tempest.  Carla thought it would be cool to interview Greg Nussen, the actor playing the "monster", Caliban. 

CSC NextGen
member, Carla!

I was watching the rehearsal for The Tempest.  Prospero (who interestingly in this case was a woman, "Prospera") called for the monster to appear. There was Caliban, who entered the scene screaming with anger, while chains held him back from ravaging his master.  I watching in awe of the sudden burst of energy that entered the stage. I thought to myself, “Wow, he’s kind of scary. Do I really have to interview him?” But the actor, Greg, who played Caliban came to greet me and he looked a lot friendlier with a smile. I then began the interview with ease.

Greg Nussen, the actor playing Caliban
in CSC's Young Company production
of THE TEMPEST.

I asked Greg about his first acting experience.
He told me he played as the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz when he was only seven years old. Greg has been acting for so long, that it was the only job for him.

I asked how he felt about being on stage as a profesional.
Personally, I know getting on stage with people glaring at me can be incredibly nerve-racking. Greg said that the adrenaline pushes him and allows him to delve into character.

I asked him how playing Caliban compared to the scarecrow. 

He mentioned how they both have a longing for something which created a feeling of absence and pity. The scarecrow wanted a brain while Caliban wanted ownership of the island. We were talking so in depth of this topic that we realized the scarecrow and Caliban were both repressed by sticks; the scarecrow is originally can’t move since he attached to stick that was planted firmly on the ground while Prospera’s magic stick gives her the power to control Caliban. It was fun to make these connections. I also learned how Greg portrays his character. Caliban is known as a character with a monstrous size and Greg is normal-sized. He used his features to show Caliban as a "tempestuous" child (did you get the pun?) instead of a hideous monster.

Greg, as Caliban (right) with fellow cast members
Sophie Amoss, as Trinculo (far left) and
Adam Petchel, as Stephano.

“If you were a girl, what do you think Caliban’s feminine name would be?” 
I remember he looked confused, but laughed nonetheless. He could only think of leaving it as "Caliban".  I offered to change the name to "Calibana", and I think he agreed with me. After the interview, I thought that I could possibly change people's names for a living.