IN CONVERSATION BEN AHLERS
interview by JANA LETONJA
Ben Ahlers is starring in ‘The Gilded Age’, which premiered its third season at the Tribeca Film Festival in early June He also just finished a successful run on stage in ‘John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only’ at Baltimore’s Center Stage, which had been extended through 22nd June.
You just finished the brand new play, ‘John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only’, written by ‘Mad Men’s’ Matthew Weiner. What drew you to such a provocative and complex role?
You often don’t get to choose the roles you play. Stevie Walker-Webb and I were hungry to work on something together and he thought of me for ‘John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only’. After playing sweet boy Jack on ‘The Gilded Age’ for a good chunk of my 20s, I was itchy to play someone this complex and bizarre, and to take a big swing stylistically.
You are on stage the entire time (no intermission), this is a major undertaking. How do you prepare mentally and physically for this kind of performance, night after night?
Right before places, it feels like you’re about to jump out of an airplane, and there’s only so much preparation you can do before you just have to surrender and enjoy the ride. I did a play with the great Victoria Pedretti called ‘Tender Napalm’ last fall, and we didn’t leave the stage for 90 minutes in that one either so I seem to like suffering. Theatre’s certainly where I feel most challenged as an actor. This shows challenge came vocally. I would have to find secret moments to reset my larynx, and if you don’t know where your larynx is, I’m so happy for you. I really just had to stop tipping over into rumination and self seriousness, which is incredibly hard as a man who watches Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar speech once a week.
How has performing at an intimate theater like Baltimore Center Stage shaped or influenced your approach to storytelling?
Because theatre is becoming so expensive to make, it’s difficult to take creative risks. And as a young actor, I want to fail as much as possible and find the edge of my ability in a safe place. The actors I look up to formed their foundation in spaces like this and I want to get those reps in too.
The show was extended which speaks volumes. How has the audience reception been, and has it surprised you in any way?
‘John Wilkes Booth:One Night only’ is from Baltimore and is buried a mere 10 minute drive from the theater so there was a certain tangibility to it. I was really inspired by the audience’s engagement with the material. So much of the show is breaking the fourth wall and delivering dense prosey monologues. It was such a lesson in trusting your audience to listen and be with you, even the ghosts.
You’re reprising your role in Season 3 of ‘The Gilded Age’, which premiered at Tribeca. Due to the release of the first two season, this was the first time the cast could watch and celebrate together. How was that experience?
Well, you never get to watch a TV show with an audience, so to hear Christine Baranski’s personal laugh track at Tribeca was a true gift. I’ve only had a few moments with Julian Fellowes throughout the past few seasons and as he spoke at the premiere, I was hanging on his every word. He has such an appreciation for history and culture. He also has such a distinct eye on America from across the pond. I felt so lucky to be a small player in his lavish world. And my cast is so hot.
Without spoiling too much, what can fans expect from your character this season?
I can say two things. There’s a lot of clock exploration to come. And I’m 6’ 3”, despite rumors to the contrary. I hope that isn’t disappointing.
What’s it like working in Julian Fellowes’ opulent 19th-century world and then pivoting to the post-apocalyptic landscape of ‘The Last of Us’, where you’ve guest starred?
I filmed ‘The Gilded Age’ and ‘The Last of Us’ at the same time, so I was pouring Kelli O’Hara tea on a Thursday and in full riot gear on Friday. Sometimes, you are working on instinct. Jack is so in my bones at this point. I can trust him to guide me. With ‘The Last of Us’, I almost became a kid again, pretending to be Darth Vader in my backyard. There’s something so imaginative about a post apocalyptic world. I loved finding the freedom in play. Also, with the production design for both shows, plus the caliber of actors around me like Jeffrey Wright and Cynthia Nixon, I just had to know my lines, listen, and respond.
There’s already speculation your character could return next season. How excited would you be to return to ‘The Last of Us’?
Obviously that would be a perfect call to get. It’s such a culture shifting show. And every cast and crew member are so cool and seasoned, and I would love to come back and be a part of that world.
After the play, you flew to Paris for Fashion Week with Berluti as well as attending the Amiri show. You planned to head to London as well to see some shows. How do these international experiences inspire or influence your creative work?
Ellen Burstyn told me that it’s your job as an actor to season your imagination with as many creative influences as you can. And traveling gives me that plus a perspective shift and break in rhythm. I think I just want to constantly feel inspired and it’s sometimes easier to feel in love with the world when you’re in Paris. Fashion week is such a celebration of the blend of work and play. I saw so many friends I don’t get to normally see and dress up in all these beautiful clothes. I’ve been collaborating with Berluti for a few years and it feels like I’m a kid with their very fancy parent dressing them in an extraordinarily adult baby blue suede jacket. It’s the best.
What you are looking forward to most in London?
I’m currently on the train to Stratford Upon-Avon where the Royal Shakespeare Company is performing a play and I’m going to have fish and chips at the pub where young Ian McKellan and Dame Judi Dench London ate and signed the tables. London has this deep connection to the form. And it’s humbling and inspiring and important to know you’re just a small phase of that grand evolution.
Between theater, TV, and fashion, you wear many hats. What keeps you grounded?
A big, long walk.
Is there a dream role, genre, or collaborator you haven’t yet explored but hope to in the next few years?
I get to do a really fun comedy movie this month and that feels like an exciting stretch. So much of the audition process was improv-ing and to get to put those skills to use with some of the greats will be very rewarding. Also, I’d love to sing in a movie. I am a musical theater boy in a very secret part of my heart and one day would like to use it.
CREDITS
photography JACQUES BURGA
