- Jonathan Boncek
- Christian Duboise is Chad Deity
Chad Deity is a wrestler, while Christian Duboise is an actor, comedian, and barber. Deity exists solely in the mind of playwright Kristoffer Diaz and, during Piccolo, at PURE Theatre, in front of an audience, while Duboise is a living, breathing Lowcountry resident. Deity is a champion in the ring, while Duboise is a champion on stage, offering an unrivaled portrayal of Deity that impressed City Paper critics when he first performed the role back September. Why else would we feature him on the cover of this week’s issue?
The City Paper recently spoke to Duboise to get a better grasp of the man underneath the gold champion belt.
City Paper: What did you have to do to train for this role?
Christian Duboise: We just worked with professional wrestlers. I always work out anyway, so apart from that, that really made a difference. But actually learning the techniques from the professional wrestlers, and just working hands-on with them.
CP: Prior to the play, had you had any wrestling experience?
CD: No, no wrestling experience. I play conventional sports. I’m an athlete, but never wrestling.
CP: Was this role different than roles you have played in the past?
CD: Oh yeah, very much so. Just the physicality of it and having to do wrestling moves and then come back and say a long dialogue, it was different, challenging, but it was very fun.
CP: Do you feel that you and your Chad Deity have any traits in common?
CD: Oh yeah definitely, we actually have the same initials. Characteristically, yeah I guess. He can be over the top … and so can I.
CP: What are some things that you like or dislike about Chad Deity’s character?
CD: He’s the champion, I love that. Who doesn’t love being the champion? I like the fact that underneath all the hoopla and all the machoness that he still is kind of like a soft-hearted dude that really cares about the industry and that kind of shows you know, that’s very important.
CP: How do you get in character?
CD: Kind of a tough question. It’s not that big of a transformation. I grew up watching wrestling so it’s kind of easy for me to transition into the character.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.