Q&A with Miltos Yerolemou from "Game of Thrones"

Rick Broussard,

Miltos Yerolemou is better known to the world of fandom as Syrio Forel, the fast-talking, master sword-fighting instructor on HBO’s epic fantasy series “Game of Thrones.”

Forel was last seen enabling the escape of his apt pupil, Arya Stark, from a sqaud of Kingsguards who had come to capture her — his only weapon a wooden practice sword. He was apparently doomed, but the lack of a bloody finale has left fans chattering about a possible return.

How much experience playing Dungeons and Dragons are you bringing to your role in Dorks in Dungeons? None. I have never played it. I have watched people playing it but I'm too physical to play this stuff out around a table. I would end up playing everything out in some avant garde mime performance.

Miltos Yerolemou will be a guest for the Dorks in Dungeons season opener on September 14. Yerolemou, a fan favorite for his unique physicality and performance, will serve as a guest improviser.

From seacostrep.org: “He had previously agreed to perform with us at Granite State ComicCon in Manchester. We figured he would already be in town so I just asked. He seems really excited.” Says Kathleen Cavalaro, one of the producers of Dorks in Dungeons.
In keeping with Dorks in Dungeons tradition, Yerolemou will be told nothing about the show or his role in it in advance. Though he will be performing with Dorks in Dungeons the day before at Granite State Comicon, the show at The Seacoast Rep will be an entirely different story with different characters.

Doors are at 7 p.m. with a social hour starting at 6 p.m. Tickets for Dorks in Dungeons are available for $12 for VIP tickets or pay-what-you-can at the door for general admission. Tickets are available seacoastrep.org/ or by calling (603) 433-4472. Seating is limited so advanced tickets are encouraged.

Is this your first visit to the area? Earlier this year I was performing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Boston. I loved Boston. I think going to love NH too.

What do you know about our state? I know nothing at all, apart from New Yorkers like to holiday there

Syrio had so many memorable lines. Got a favorite?  “There is only one god, and His name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: ‘Not today’.” I also loved saying, “All men are made of water and if you pierce them the water flows out and they die…”

What enabled you to bring Syrio to life? My open-minded attitude and watching too many films like “The Matrix” and “Star Wars” and “The Karate Kid” and probably the first film that I was taken to by my dad, “The Big Boss” (with Bruce Lee). I have loved the way unconventional teachers have been represented on film and I am sure George R.R. Martin must have been influenced himself.

Is this character your first professional encounter with the world of serious fandom?  Oh, yes. This is pretty bonkers and the novelty will never wear off but it’s humbling and sometimes makes me blush

Were you ever a fan of anything in the way that some folks are Game of Thrones fans? Star Wars. I was growing up as they were being made and watched the originals in the cinema and I have to admit I have even watched the later films a couple of times. Considering they are so bad I think that makes me a geek and not just a fan.

There’s a debate online about the status of your character, i.e. dead or alive and in disguise. Care to comment? (In Syrio Forel’s voice) No comment.

Categories: Q&A

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