Featured Image Description: David Menkin, Matthew Sim, and Kirris Riviere in The Sandman season one, photo by LAURENCE CENDROWICZ/NETFLIX – © 2022 Netflix, Inc. This interview has been slightly edited for clarity and brevity.
I had the pleasure of speaking to Kirris Riviere for swirlywords this week about his role in The Sandman season one, life as an actor and his upcoming projects! Thank you to Kirris for speaking with me – you can read our conversation below and follow him on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
So Kirris, how did you start acting?
“At the age of 14, no surprise, I was unsure of my future career path. While most of my friends were pursuing jobs in construction, I was never a fan of outdoor work, especially in cold weather! One day, my drama teacher, Angela Kelly, approached me about participating in a school Christmas show. At first, I was hesitant and worried about what my friends would think. I had no idea what to expect. However, with some encouragement from my mum and a sense of curiosity, I decided to give it a try. I vividly recall the sensation of standing on that school stage, and I absolutely fell in love with performing. Thanks Angela – we’re still friends to this day!
Skip to my first professional acting job: British gangster cult classic film ‘I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead’. I had just graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and landed the role of ‘Big John’, one of Clive Owen’s main men. It was such a prominent role and I couldn’t believe my luck! This led to me being cast as a regular in the Channel 4 series drama ‘NY-LON’, which starred Rashida Jones. I was over the moon and thought I had made it. I even quit my day job in a fit of excitement, only to realise my mistake six months later and grovel my way back. I was young and naive, with a lot to learn.”
What is it about being an actor that appeals to you?
“For me, being an actor provides the opportunity to embody different characters’ lifestyles and states of being, to tell good stories. It offers a chance to explore different emotions, experiences and perspectives. Acting gives me a sense of fulfilment as well as creativity.”
How did you first become introduced to The Sandman?
“I must admit that my admiration for Neil Gaiman’s genius was not fully realised until my involvement in The Sandman [Netflix series]. Since that momentous occasion, I have been completely captivated. Being a part of Neil Gaiman’s universe is such an exciting experience, something I will now always cherish. His fans are incredible – they really appreciate all the work we’ve done, and I always feel so grateful after talking with them, and with the creatives. Neil Gaiman’s imaginative and thought-provoking storytelling has captivated audiences for years, and for me, being part of his world has offered a unique and fascinating perspective on the human experience”.
Your character Adonai is an attendee at the cereal convention, described as a “madman” even by other ‘collectors’. How did you approach the role?
“I remember reading the part and I must say that the information I received was extremely limited due to the nature of something this big. I really focused on the subtext and what type of person would come out with such statements like Adonai did. I played on him being completely wrong as well as an insane narcissist – I focused on Adonai’s flawed personality. Specifically, I honed in on his arrogance and delusions of grandeur, which were evident in the statement he made [at the Religion panel in episode nine]. By portraying him as wrong, brainwashed and narcissistic, I tried to highlight the dangers of unchecked ego.
He was yet another victim of The Corinthian (Boyd Holbrook) – he was controlled by a Nightmare that became his everything. It was incredible to play a part in highlighting just how dangerous The Corinthian is. This type of control and manipulation can occur in many different contexts, not just in fictional stories. In real life, people can be controlled and manipulated by others who seek to gain power and control over them.”
How did your previous experience as an actor help you tackle this role?
“I have vivid memories of playing a killer in a musical adaptation of ‘A Clockwork Orange’, which was certainly an interesting experience. However, the level of darkness and malevolence required to play the character of Adonai was on a different level. As with most professions, the expectation is that the more you practise something, the more proficient you become and I would agree with that. I was fully prepared to put in the effort and be willing to push myself and to be pushed even further. I think it’s important to remain open and willing.”
Do you have a favourite memory from the experience?
“Working with director Coralie Fargeat is one of my fondest memories. Her direction brought out a depth of emotion in me that I didn’t realise I was capable of, and I will always be grateful for that experience. It has undoubtedly made me a more versatile actor, and as a result has brought out that newfound range to current projects I am working on. I was mainly acting alongside Matthew Sim’s ‘The Crooner’ and David Menkin’s ‘Hammer of God’, and we had so much fun on set. It was also a real privilege working with Boyd Holbrook.
Aside from episodes 9 and 10, I have a strong affection for episode 6, ‘The Sound of Her Wings.’ This masterfully crafted, multi-layered episode is awe-inspiring and truly captures the connection we all share as we ultimately face the same fate – death (apart from Hob [Gadling] of course).”
What are your plans for the future – can we expect to see you in something else soon?
“Having had the incredible opportunity of working with talented creatives both in front of and behind the camera on The Sandman, I have begun writing my own stories. From feature films that explore social commentary to children’s animation, in future I hope to collaborate with film producers, musicians, and others alike.
Additionally, I am currently on tour with a devised piece of theatre called ‘If You Fall’ until June, produced by the incredible Ad Infinitum theatre company.
I am also part of a blues band – we are currently in the process of creating our first self-titled album, which is expected to be released later this year. I am thrilled at the prospect of this and cannot wait to share it with anyone that wants to hear it!”
All episodes of season one of The Sandman are streaming now on Netflix.
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