Jesse Eisenberg: Demonisation of migrants inspired my play The Spoils

Eisenberg also said the debate over immigration was “central to what is going on in the States now”
Honoured to be here: Jesse Eisenberg
Dave Benett

Jesse Eisenberg says his latest play was inspired by the “demonisation” of immigrants in his native United States.

The actor and writer, 32, has made his West End debut in The Spoils, the third play he has written, starring as a wealthy New Yorker who shares a flat with an earnest Nepalese immigrant played by The Big Bang Theory’s Kunal Nayyar.

Eisenberg, who was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in The Social Network, said the debate over immigration was “central to what is going on in the States now” as it gears up for the presidential election in November. He said: “I wrote the play four years ago but every time I do this play I go home and watch the news and hear the exact things that I tell Kunal’s character in this play, that we are going to rely on you for food and clothing and it gives me goosebumps.

“It’s something I think about all the time — the way we take advantage of those striving for a better life and then demonise them. My family were immigrants 100 year ago.” Eisenberg and Nayyar, 35, appeared in the play’s original run in New York before its transfer to London where they were joined by new cast members including Katie Brayben and Game Of Thrones star Alfie Allen. Eisenberg said: “As New Yorkers, we like to think of ourselves as the centre of the universe but the truth is England, and not just even London, is really the mecca of theatre... to be here is an honour I don’t take lightly.”

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