Interview with David Avery (Xanthius)
Interview with David Avery, who plays Xanthius in Troy: Fall Of A City.
Published: 14 February 2018
I loved the fact that on a series like this we have more time to explore supporting roles like mine, that ultimately add to the overall richness of the show.
Tell us about Xanthius. He’s a brand new character, isn’t he? What drives him? What’s he like? What is his mission?
He is indeed brand new and I had a lot of freedom to make him my own. I knew what his journey would be from start to finish and could begin to etch out some ideas. Being on set for months and soaking up the atmosphere contributed massively and before I knew it, Xanthius was taking on a life of his own.
He's driven by his loyalty to Odysseus. They have a strong bond, hence the reason Odysseus has entrusted Xanthius with the task of being secreted into Troy. Xanthius shares the same cunning and intelligence as Odysseus, always thinking five steps ahead. He is the man on the inside for the Greeks, but inevitably his mission evolves and the stakes are raised as the series unfolds.
Without giving too much away, what does Xanthius do when he reaches Troy?
Xanthius befriends a Trojan family in the lower city, but as time passes his relationship with them gets deeper and more meaningful than expected. However it was a great contrast to play off, and gives Xanthius more insight and conflict to deal with. Does he have a family back in Ithaca he misses? Will it jeopardise his mission? I loved the fact that on a series like this we have more time to explore supporting roles like mine, that ultimately add to the overall richness of the show.
You have a four legged co-star for a lot of your scenes…
Kane (real name) the dog was a star! He was with me throughout the shoot and we had a blast. We bonded very quickly which was a huge plus as we didn't have to use tricks to keep him focused for very long. He's Xanthius's best friend and represents a piece of home while they remain in the city undercover. Apart from being a trusted companion, Keno (the character name) helps send messages back to the Greek camp. Having a sidekick adds another layer to Xanthius's backstory. Details like that speak volumes on screen and also help you play against different energies.
What were the highlights of filming for you?
Well, sneaking around became my forte and I even earned the nickname 'shadows' - but, I would say some of the highlights were working with the stunt team. These guys were top notch and super passionate. I got to learn and try new things I'd never thought I could do. Horse riding and hand-to-hand combat I can now add to my repertoire! The attention to detail the team went into was truly amazing, it wasn't just about being flashy and impressive for the cameras but also true to the time and circumstances. This could be said for the entire production, set design, costume and make-up all researched and tailored specifically that make the show richer on all levels.
Did you do any preparation for the series?
I'm very familiar with Greek Mythology and a big fan so I dipped my toe back into certain stories to rekindle the feeling and tones. But as far as character preparation, being on set and in constant dialogue with cast and production, that was immersive enough to build on as I went. Ultimately the series is rooted in honest, genuine human experience, so I drew from my own life. A powerful narrative throughout the series is identity. Every character is battling with their place in the world and circumstances they've found themselves in or chosen to be in, and now they have to deal with the consequences.
The Greeks
The Trojan Royal Family
Priam, King of Troy - played by David Threlfall
Priam has ruled Troy since he was a young man. He is married to Hecuba and father of Hector, Cassandra, Alexander, Deiphobus and Troilus. His father nearly ruined the city but Priam saved it from destruction and Troy now flourishes. Together, Priam and Hecuba have made it a powerful and wealthy city port.
Hecuba, Queen of Troy - played by Frances O’Connor
Hecuba is Priam's wife, mother to his children and rules Troy with him. Although she is not originally from Troy she has lived in the city for 30 years and is held in high regard by the Trojans.
Hector - played by Tom Weston-Jones
Hector is Priam’s eldest son and heir. He leads the Trojan army and is a celebrated warrior, brave and honourable. He is happily married to the Cilician princess Andromache.
Andromache - played by Chloe Pirrie
Andromache is from nearby Cilicia, an ally of Troy, and is married to Hector. Their marriage was arranged, but is a union of love. She desires children but conception has proved hard.
Paris (Alexander) - played by Louis Hunter
Alexander, also known as Paris, is the second son of Priam and Hecuba. He spent his youth as a herdsman in the mountains unaware of his true background. His meeting with the gods changes everything.
Cassandra - played by Aimee Ffion Edwards
Cassandra is Priam and Hecuba’s daughter. At Alexander’s birth she had visions of disaster and continues to have premonitions. She has been looked after ever since, and is considered mentally unstable.
Aeneas - played by Alfred Enoch
Aeneas is Hector and Alexander’s cousin, who comes from the Trojan ally region of Dardania. He is upright, young but fearless. He has a father back at home but has lost his wife to sickness.
The Greeks
Helen, Queen of Sparta - played by Bella Dayne
Helen was born in Sparta and has lived there all her life. She is married to Menelaus, whose brother Agamemnon won her hand in competition, but it is a loveless match. She has a daughter, Hermione, but their relationship is strained. As the story begins, her unhappiness is beginning to become undeniable.
Menelaus, King of Sparta - played by Jonas Armstrong
Menelaus was born in Mycenae, which he considers the true cradle of civilization. He has ruled in Sparta for many years but it has yet to become his home. He does love Helen but his love is possessive and controlling. He admires his daughter Hermione greatly.
Agamemnon, King of Mycenae - played by Johnny Harris
King Agamemnon is Menelaus brother and the most powerful ruler of the Greek city-states. He holds huge influence in the region and is aware of Troy s burgeoning power across the ocean. He is married to Clytemnestra and father of Iphigenia, Electra and Orestes.
Odysseus, King of Ithaca - played by Joseph Mawle
Odysseus is renowned for his strategic intelligence, wisdom and cunning. He loves his home and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus. He is a true islander, somewhat solitary, ruthless when needs must, but with a deep love of home and family. Odysseus is called upon to help the Greeks return Helen to Sparta.
Xanthius - played by David Avery
Xanthius is a servant of Odysseus and travels with him to Troy. A loner who prefers dogs to men, Xanthius is used by Odysseus to infiltrate the city. Quiet, invisible and deeply intelligent, Xanthius is Odysseus secret weapon.
Achilles, King of the Myrmidons - played by David Gyasi
Achilles is the most feared of all the Greek warriors travelling to Troy. He is by myth half human, half-god, created by the union of Peleus and Thetis, a sea-nymph. He is a great warrior, almost unbeatable, but his sense of honour tips into pride and stubbornness. His friend and lover is Patroclus, another great Myrmidon warrior. They are inseparable.
Picture: Menelaus (Jonas Armstrong), Achilles (David Gyasi), Agamemnon (Johnny Harris), Odysseus (Joseph Mawle)
The Gods
Zeus, King of the Gods - played by Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Zeus is the God of storms, tumult and justice, who holds ultimate power over both gods and mortals. He chooses not to take sides in the Trojan War, despite all attempts to engage his loyalty. He insists that even the Gods cannot change Fate, which will decide the outcome of the war. Zeus is married to Hera and father of many gods including Athena, Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis and Hermes.
Hera, Queen of the Gods - played by Inge Beckmann
Hera, is the goddess of marriage and wife of Zeus, but they have a turbulent relationship. She is furious at Paris for not choosing her in the judgment of the goddesses and fiercely loyal to the Greeks.
Athena - played by Shamilla Miller
Athena is goddess of wisdom and war. She sides with the Greeks, angry at her rejection by Paris. In particular, she favours Odysseus and Diomedes.
Aphrodite - played by Lex King
Aphrodite is the goddess of love. She is loyal to Paris, who chooses her as the finest of the three goddesses, so she supports the Trojans in the war.
Artemis - played by Thando Hopa
Artemis is the goddess of hunting and wildlife. She supports the Trojans in the war. Agamemnon offends her and she demands a terrible price from him.
Apollo - played by German de la Melena
Apollo is the god of prophecy, plague and healing. When Apollo’s priest asks for help on behalf of his daughter Chryseis, he is quick to answer. He favours the Trojans in the war.
Hermes - played by Frances Chouler
Hermes is the messenger of the gods and is present at the judgement of the goddesses, explaining to Paris the task the gods have set him.
