Langston Uibel X FAULT Magazine

Words and photography: Miles Holder

 

Netflix is full of surprising shows which capture the hearts of global audiences. This is certainly true for their now Emmy nominated show ‘Unorthodox”. The story inspired by Deborah Feldman’s 2012 autobiography, ‘Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots,’ is set between New York and Berlin and details Esty’s escape from a preordained destiny to freedom. Langston Uibel plays the role of Axmed, one of the characters Esty befriends on her journey of discovery within Berlin.

While Langston Uibel was born in London, he moved to Berlin as a child and now has two countries which he calls home and all the discord that comes with it. We caught up with Langston to discuss Unorthodox, his upcoming roles and of course, his FAULTs.

 

What first attracted you to the role in Unorthodox?

Langston Uibel: For starters, being able to act in my other mother tongue. But also, the whole conception of the series as well as the team behind camera. The producers Anna Winger & Alexa Karolinski and the director Maria Schrader were just incredible. It was such an enrichment to work with them but also just to getting to know them as persons. On top of that, it is one of the few projects that really depict a diverse and realistic society. Especially for me as a black actor in Germany, it was a breath of fresh air. I’m honored to be a part of it.

    

What would you say has been the most surprising reaction you’ve had from Unorthodox? 

Langston Uibel:  I didn’t see the success coming. So, the reception in general was a surprise in itself. We all knew we were creating something special and unique, but to see it soar around the world was nevertheless overwhelming. 

 

You’re British born but moved to Germany at a young age, alongside your heritage how has this played a part in your development and feeling of self?

Langston Uibel: I am very grateful to know both countries and it really is the mix that has shaped me. London is so rich in culture but is also so stressful that it’s hard to appreciate it. On the other side, Berlin just feels like a holiday. So green, spacious and safe. Literally, the perfect place for a teenager. 

 

When you’re looking at prospective roles, what’s something you look out for to indicate if the role is right for you? 

Langston Uibel: Obviously one looks at the Script, the Story and the team. I always consider the potential impact the story could have on our world. I prefer to work on projects that shed some light on how people are mistreated in our world. Even if it sounds generic, I deeply believe that film has a duty to educate. And, for the characters: Definitely, the ones that I have the least in common with. 

 

 

 

What’s been the best advice you’ve received so far?

Langston Uibel: “Time will heal” No, I’m joking! I think the best advice I’ve gotten came from a teacher in year one at my primary school in Brixton. She let us know that ‘Everybody’s best is different’. I like that. 

 

If you could play one dream role, even if it’s already been done before what would it be?

Langston Uibel: Good question! There is definitely so much I want to explore. I couldn’t pin it down to one role but I would love to do a film based on black German history. 

What are you working on at the moment?

Langston Uibel: Finally, I don’t have to be that “I’m not supposed to tell yet” guy and can proudly announce that I joined the main cast of the third season of HOW TO SELL DRUGS ONLINE (FAST) on Netflix. We are currently shooting!

 

What is your FAULT? 

Langston Uibel: Oh, I think there a few. I‘ve been working on ‚Think before you speak‘ and there actually has been some progress.