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.
‘We meet at various points in the great swathes of the past that neither of us were alive to witness.’
Allen Bratton on a daytrip to a castle with his older boyfriend.
‘Listening to three white poets, whom I suspect are academics, talk about the state of poetry.’
Oluwaseun Olayiwola eavesdrops on an older generation.
‘I’d been dubious about his company at first.’
Sarah Moss on watching Shakespeare with her twelve-year-old son.
‘She didn’t trust us because, to her, tenants were like children.’
Kate Zambreno on negotiating with her older landlady.
‘A moment now swallowed in embarrassment, I asked a question only a young person might ask an older one.’
Lynne Tillman on trying to understand what makes a generation.
