Emma D'Arcy, a non-binary actor known for their portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen in "House of the Dragon," spoke recently about their rising career and personal journey. D'Arcy is starring in "Bluets" at the Royal Court Theatre and is also preparing for the second season of the "Game of Thrones" prequel.
During an interview, D'Arcy touched on their London upbringing and their family's strong artistic influence. Despite being misidentified as a London native, D'Arcy actually grew up in Gloucestershire. They moved to London later in life, a transition they found enriching.
In discussing their work, D'Arcy emphasized the collaborative nature of theatre and screen acting, which they prefer over solitary artistic pursuits. They have enjoyed a diverse career, with roles in productions like "Against" at the Almeida Theatre and "Mrs. Dalloway" at the Arcola Theatre, as well as appearances in TV series such as Netflix's "Wanderlust" and Amazon Prime's "Truth Seekers."
"House of the Dragon" has considerably raised D'Arcy's profile, earning them a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. They appreciate the transformative power of their character, Rhaenyra Targaryen, especially the blonde wig, which serves as a protective shield.
On the subject of awards and the gendered nature of categories, D'Arcy remarked that the responsibility of addressing these issues should not fall solely on gender non-conforming individuals. They also acknowledged that the industry's structure is evolving to better accommodate diverse identities.
D'Arcy expressed pride in being a role model for queer performers, emphasizing that visibility and representation are crucial. They are confident that society will continue to progress towards accepting trans and gender non-conforming people.
"Bluets" opened at the Royal Court Theatre on May 17, and "House of the Dragon" premieres on June 17 on Sky Atlantic.