INTERVIEW BY DINO TAKASHI

NATHANIEL CURTIS, plays “Ash” in the five-part HBO Max hit show IT’S A SIN- a show that tells a fresh take of the HIV epidemic that ravaged lives in the early 1980s set in the UK, helmed by screenwriter Russell T. Davies. It’s a Sin explores the friendships and the complicated narratives intertwined during thAT time when the virus hit when everyone was unfamiliar with it.

The show is more relevant than ever as it coincides with the current COVID-19 pandemic, serving as reminder on how AIDS was branded as a “New York illness” (mainly because of the virus’ prominence in New York and its portrayal in pop culture- “Angels IN America,” “Rent” etc.) until it fully exploded in the gay community in Britain.

NATHANIEL chats with us about COVID and its similarity with the AIDS crisis, how he prepared for this role and some fun fast talk about “Sins and indulgences.”

Hello Nathaniel. We love your show and congratulations! How are you coping with the seemingly endless lockdowns and restrictions from COVID? 

Thank you so much for having me! I think the uncertainty of everything has definitely been one of the hardest things. I desperately miss my friends and not seeing my family in over a year has also been tough, but through the wonders of the internet, it’s not been so lonely. I’m also very lucky that this time around I have things to keep me busy. I’m desperate to see friends and do “normal” things again though.

This limited series was filmed before the pandemic, looking back to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, do you think that the mass hysteria is comparable to what we are experiencing right now? 

I think that although comparisons can be made, particularly in regard to the whispers of uncertainty that went around at the beginning of both, we must remember how different the reactions have been. Through social media and the press, the information about COVID circulated very quickly; everyone banded together to try and end it. On the other hand, HIV was seen as shameful and, as a result of this, everyone tried to keep it a secret. The entire community was demonised for it and many were forced to suffer in silence, alone.

How did you prepare for this role?

The beauty of Russell’s (Davies) script is that everything was in there from the beginning. We were also directed to resources that helped us; documentaries, books and the like. For my own character research, I spoke to people about being alive in the 80’s and researched all that my character would have known; the books he reads, the music he listens to. I also found out all I could about Section 28; I knew very little about it so learning about what it entailed was informative but so sad. 

What part of your character “Ash” is similar to you in real life?

I adored playing Ash. There’s a breath-taking kindness and sensitivity that Russell gave the character which is something I would like to have more of. He’s definitely much cooler than I am. He also dresses better than I do…  I think that I’m probably a bit chattier than him but all in all we’re very similar. I’ve also worked in education, love reading and view friends as another family. 

Are you hopeful that we can totally eliminate AIDS in the future?

Absolutely. I think that it’s imperative that people learn how to stop the spread of HIV. Educating yourself on the medications and precautions is so vital. I didn’t know an awful lot about HIV or the history of it until I started researching for this show and I’m astounded at how far we’ve come but I also know that we still have a way to go, though. Breaking through the stigma is incredibly important. There are even wonderful charities and projects out there dedicated to eradicating new cases of HIV by 2030. 

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

“Keeping A Straight Face”- A Greek tragedy in five parts about getting the giggles in inappropriate situations, being rubbish at flirting and struggling to find jeans that fit.

A BOOK OF: Let's talk about "Sins" and Indulgences.

Answer it with “It's a Sin or Not A Sin”, why or why not.

THIRST TRAPS: Not A Sin. All bodies are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated. 

GHOSTING OUT: It’s A Sin. Sack up, be an adult. This also goes for dumping by text.

DRUNK TEXTING EX Not A Sin. Just not a good idea.

BAREBACKING - Not A Sin. Know your status and take the necessary precautions.

SEX ON FIRST DATE - Not A Sin. Let’s be honest, we’ve all done it.

CASUAL SEX : Not A Sin. Just think of it as exercise.

TRIPS DURING COVID: It’s A Sin. Unless there is a valid reason, don’t be selfish.

NOT REPLYING ON TEXT MESSAGES: Not A Sin. Although annoying, you never know why people aren’t responding.

OVERSPENDING ON SHOES- Not A Sin. Treat yo’self.

NOT MOISTURIZING - It’s a Sin. Look after your beautiful body.