In 2018, Nick Drnaso’s graphic novel, Sabrina, became the first graphic novel to be nominated for the Man Booker prize. Acting Class, which is out this year, is Drnaso’s follow-up, a book exploring the inner lives and outward personas of a group of misfits enrolled in an unnerving acting class.
In this exclusive mini-documentary, Drnaso describes the making his new graphic novel, and the delicate process of constructing this world of Acting Class, and filling it with characters.
‘I think there should be a National Service of Hospitality. The best way to see the true face of humanity is to serve it a plate of chips.’
Camilla Grudova on bad-mannered customers.
‘Anyone who has ever worked night shifts will understand the vertiginous feeling that comes with staring down the day from the wrong end.’
A.K. Blakemore on working nights.
‘I was constantly reading job ads, trying to find my holy grail – a job I could stand to do, and someone foolish enough to hire me.’
Sandra Newman on learning how to play professional blackjack.
‘I loved being a receptionist. What I loved about it was playing the part of being a receptionist.’
Emily Berry on being a temporary office worker.
‘Every part of you would swell, including your eyeballs, and no matter how much water you drank, you were always dehydrated.’
Junot Díaz on working for a steel mill.
