Meet Zeus, Method actor
He may be just 17 inches long, but the actor Zeus — no last name — wields a big voice in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time,” running at the Ahmanson Theatre through Sept. 10 before moving to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
The stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s 2003 novel centers on a teenager, Christopher, whose unnamed condition has the hallmarks of Asperger’s syndrome. Christopher’s closest confidant is a white and grayhooded dumbo fancy rat named Toby, played by Zeus in his theatrical debut.
Speaking through animal wrangler Cara Kilduff, Zeus, age 2 (almost), opened up to The Times for this edited conversation about his career, diet and future plans.
Who are your influences?
The great rat actors of the past — think of Remy in “Ratatouille.” Also, an older Marlon Brando.
What’s the most difficult part of this job? And how do you prepare?
The most difficult part is being sweated upon by the young men playing Christopher. (Heavy sigh.) My handler kindly towels me off and gives me a fresh robe once I’m back in my dressing room. My preparation is a combination of Method and Meisner technique.
Do you have an understudy?
I had an understudy when my brother, Jinkies, was alive. He passed away from a brief and sudden illness. I dedicate each show to his memory. Our associate director, Benjamin Klein, says the role is mine for as long as I wish.
We hear you sleep threequarters of all daylight hours. Do you have time for anything else?
I’m an avid reader. I enjoy mostly biographies and historical fiction.
Any healthful, pre-show snack recommendations?
Organic frozen peas and blueberries give me the pick-me-up I need for the stage. Some watermelon.
How do you unwind after each show?
Cuddles from my handler. And my hammock!
What’s next?
Once the tour is over, I will be possibly retiring from show business and living the life I have grown accustomed to in New York City. However, I adore L.A. and need to speak to my handler about us becoming bicoastal. There’s an energy here that I cannot ignore.