The tribes of Jacob

Fresh from triumphant performances in the play Tribes at London’s Royal Court, and with rave reviews for his scrap book, Jacob Casselden is confident that the hearing world could now be his oyster. In answering our ten questions, he reveals more hidden talents than most and an unexplained hatred of traffic lights.

What excited you about Tribes?
Everything! It’s a beautiful and clever play, written by Nina Raine, and something that’s never been done before. It opens doors on issues of deaf identity, communication barriers and so on!

Other than Deafness, do you have anything in common with the character you play?
The fact is, anyone who’s deaf, born and raised in a deaf family is bound to have experienced difficulties with the hearing world, especially with schooling. It can be tough for those who are deaf, trying to survive the mainstream hearing schools. But this motivated me to achieve and grow stronger for the real world.

What do you like most about acting?
I come from a very musical and deaf family. I love acting. I love exploring lives, emotions, leading different lives, and testing my skills on stage.

What do you like least about it?
Rather strange question. What do I dislike about acting? Sure we have long hours, lots of lines to learn, movements, researching the era, characters, backgrounds. But isn’t that supposed to be the fun part?

How do casting directors react to your Deafness?
It’s as though I am either royalty or a rather strange being from Mars! There’s still work to be done and I feel there will be more strange reactions to come when I audition for work based on hearing characters. But then again, this is a challenge. 

What makes you angry?
Right now? Traffic lights...

If you were Prime Minister, what would you do to improve things for Deaf and disabled people?
I would make British sign language a GCSE subject. French, German and Italian are useful languages to learn. However, why not the language for those who live closer and happen to be deaf! 

Who’s your favourite Deaf or disabled person ever?
Liz Crow, a superb film director and writer, an intelligent woman who strives to open up the forgotten treatment of disabled and deaf people by the Nazis. I am always in awe of Liz’s work. 

How would you sum yourself up in ten words or less?
Haha this is hard! Hmm... An hour later the lines I created sound really pathetic, so I will keep them to myself – sorry!

Do you have any special or hidden talents?
I am a drummer, tap dancer, monologue reciter and sign singer, and a very keen rugby player! Hidden talents... I was told I’m a bloody good flirt... Does this count?