Malachi Kirby Talks “A Thousand Blows”, Black Excellence, And Life In Victorian London

How do you feel about the sense of responsibility that comes with bringing a real character to life?

I feel that sense of responsibility with my work in general, because even if a character isn’t based on someone real, there’s probably someone out there who feels seen by that person. But there’s definitely an extra sense of responsibility when I know they really existed. To anyone who knew them, and to the families of these people, representing that is a huge thing. For anyone who didn’t know them, they might only know them through what I’ve shared, and that’s massive. I try not to get overwhelmed by it and treat it like the work, but it’s definitely an honour.

How was it getting into the mindset of someone who has such big dreams, but is also just trying to get by, while being constantly hit from different angles?

Honestly, I feel like that’s so many people’s stories, especially the general immigrant story. It’s my story. I didn’t get a thousand blows, but life has happened. I’m sitting here with you now, which isn’t aligned with my start in life, you know what I mean? There’s something about transcending your beginnings.

That’s what Hezekiah goes through, and what so many people experience – transcending class, transcending whatever defines you at birth, and going beyond that.

You called him a dreamer, but I actually think he’s a visionary. Not that there’s anything wrong with what you said,  it’s just something I’ve been thinking about. When you call someone a dreamer, it can feel like they’re just wishing for something. But he actually goes for it. He’s able to envision something that doesn’t yet exist –  like being a Jamaican lion tamer – and then leaving Jamaica to come to London to pursue it.