25 DAYS OF TONYS: Tony Nominee Jefferson Mays Says the Truth of Theatre Is in the Lie | Playbill

Tony Awards 25 DAYS OF TONYS: Tony Nominee Jefferson Mays Says the Truth of Theatre Is in the Lie Nominated for his work in Lincoln Center’s Oslo, the actor shares how he reacted to the nomination news, the key to his honest performance, and what he loves most about the theatre.

Jefferson Mays earned his first Tony nomination (and win) in 2004 for his portrayal of over 40 characters in I Am My Own Wife. Ten years later, he earned another nomination for his work as eight members of the D’Ysquith family in the Tony-winning Best Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. But this year, his third nomination comes for one role: leading the company of Lincoln Center’s Oslo.

The Tony-nominated Best Play by J.T. Rogers, directed by 2017 Tony nominee Bartlett Sher, chronicles the back channel meetings that led to the Oslo Peace Accords between Israelis and Palestinians. Mays plays Terje Rød-Larsen, one of the two catalysts of these meetings, alongside Tony nominee Jennifer Ehle, who plays his wife, Mona.

To purchase Oslo tickets, click here.

The titanic production masterfully captures the intensity of the negotiations with the personal bonds key to progressing them. In the video above, Mays reveals how he achieves honesty as Terje, and what it means to him to be nominated this year.

The Tony Awards air on CBS June 11. For more information visit TonyAwards.com, and for continuing coverage leading up to Broadway’s biggest night visit Playbill.com/TonyAwards.

Take a glimpse inside the action at Oslo:

 
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