Exclusive | I’m A Virgo actors Brett Gray & Allius Barnes: We want to be in things that are bigger than us

The dynamic duo from Boots Riley’s series I’m A Virgo, spoke exclusively to OTTplay about being agents of change as young adults, the social stigma attached to being different, and more. Read on...

Brett Gray and Allius Barnes

To be young all the while discovering yourself in a world that does not take too kindly to misfits, is a phase that—unfortunately—all of us had had to endure at some point. And emerging stars Brett Gray and Allius Barnes know it all too well.

In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, both Brett and Allius tell us about the ‘summer camp’ that was the set of I’m A Virgo, why individuality is of paramount importance to them, and explained what it means to be artists in today’s world.

Edited excerpts from our conversation from the budding stars:

OTTplay: My first question to you is, both of you go from these laid-back teenagers to agents of change in society. Right. So, how did you all transition from just being kids to that? And how did you resonate with the whole experience?

Allius: Hmm... I think that's one of those things where you don't really know. You know, you're transitioning sometimes I don't realize how much I've grown or how much knowledge I've gained over the years until, like, it's time to use it. And, you know, sometimes you get the opportunity to use it, sometimes you don't.

But, you know, it's one of those things you don't know until, you know, so in the process you, you don't, you don't know, kind of just, you know, going through it moment by moment, you know, I agree.

Brett: I think I agree. I think sometimes it, sometimes you, you're, you're called to do something based on your circumstances. And I think these were kids who, you know, this giant thing comes into their lives, and it speaks so much more to what they all have to do in their lives. You know, it, it gives them something to fight for and a reason. And so, I think sometimes it's just that little impetus that you need to call you to something greater.

OTTplay: So, the series, other than being all things fun and quirky, is also about being different in a world that is not ready for different people. So, what do you say to all those misfits and outcasts out there? And this question is for the two of you.

Brett: Keep doing you. I feel like our society is in yes, a place where we're kind of more judgmental than ever, but also a place where we're, we so champion authenticity and everyone now with the tools available for us can find their group of people, via the internet or different community clubs and different things like that.

So, I would say, get out there and find your people and don't bring coal to Diamond town because they're never going to see the value in it. Go find the other coal miners and, and share.

Allius: Absolutely. I don't even have much to add to that. That was beautifully put. I'd stand behind that 100%. Yeah.

OTTplay: I obviously have watched the show and I thought that in I'm a Virgo, your friendship with Jerome and everyone else seems so organic. So it was like a small little boys club. So tell me everything that happened behind the scenes, like while you're not shooting, what was it like?

Allius: Can’t tell you everything (laughs!), but I will say that it was fun. I remember I described it in an interview at some point, like, it was watching kids at like a theater summer camp, which was so accurate because we come from similar artistic backgrounds and we're pretty open and, and I think it was just nice to have an environment. I haven't had that type of environment where I was able to kind of just, you know, be free and like, like let go and like, just like, feel safe around the people that I admire and like respect and like, you know, get to get up every single day and like go to work with. So, yeah, for me, it was, it was just like a blast. It really felt like I was truly at a camp where I was learning new things all the time but just having fun, you know, at the end of the day.

OTTplay: I'm A Virgo also talks about racism against Black people. Is it safe to say that it was, on some level, maybe a cathartic experience for the two of you?

Allius: Did you say Cathartic? Yes. Hm.

Brett: I really think it's where I am artistically as an actor, you know, we want to be in things that are awesome and fun and that speak to something that is bigger than us. And I think this was one of those moments where all of us in the show, going through sort of what we go through as a culture of people in our country. got to actually sort of say our peace by being in service to the story.

So, for me, I always am appreciative of those moments and it's totally cathartic to me to, to be able to express through story, you know, to the greater masses of the world, what and how we actually feel both magical and fantastic and fun and also somewhat held back by what we perceive as our greatest friends.

Allius: Yeah. So, yeah. Yeah.

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