Theatre company Playing On Presents a new show, Inspired by the resilience of young people in the care, and also made by doing extensive research and workshopping, Flock is written by Multi award-winning writer, Lin Coghlan and is playing at Oxford's Old Fire Station and then will play at the Soho Theatre before heading out on tour to Bath, Derby and Salford.
In this Behind the Curtain interview I speak to one of the shows stars Jamie Ankrah to find out more about this new play.
Can you tell us what Flock is about?
Flock is a wonderful story about young people in care. Who dream, laugh and hustle their way into securing better futures for themselves and their loved ones. It explores the mental health of these young people, highlights the challenges that can arise in these environments and most importantly showcases the love and commitment they have to their friends and family.
The show is about the experience of growing up in Care, and how young people deal with this. How important is it to share this message? And how as an actor do you approach this type of subject matter?
A story revolving around young people in care is not a story you get to see too often in theatre. It is vital that theatre is relevant, relatable and reflecting life as we see it daily. There are so many friends and family of mine that have personal experiences with being in care and having social workers in the family home and I’m sure so many more families around the UK also. So, we should absolutely shed light on these experiences. Then on the side of approaching this play as an actor. My process is always the same. I approach my work with a tremendous amount of care, precision and diligence. However, for this specific show I have my own experiences with family in care, so I was already very familiar with the themes and the story. So, I can bring a lot of that into my performance.
Who is the target audience? And why should people come and see it?
Our target audience is as broad as it gets. For people who want to see an authentic, honest and accurate reflection of what these young people go through. To young people with similar upbringings that want to be seen. To people that just want to have a laugh and a cry. This is something for everyone.
Who do you play and how would you describe your character?
I play a character named Robbie, he is family oriented, loves very deeply but is also very troubled. He has a hard time navigating his current situation. But nothing stops him from dreaming for more. We’ve all got a little bit of Robbie in us.
As a performer what is the most important thing to you to convey to the audience through your performance? And do you think you do that?
I want to serve the brilliant writing. Serve the characters in the play. Bring the audience into the world of the play so they can really experience what Lin Coghlan (the writer) so brilliantly designed. I also want to show that acting isn’t just being talented and learning lines. I want to show through my performances that acting is a craft. Acting takes constant hard work and learning. That acting is a never-ending project where you grow from performance to performance and constantly strive to be better. That’s always my aim.
How did your love of theatre come about? And was there anything in particular that made you want to perform on stage?
I’ve been performing for the last 20 years. I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t getting ready to do a show. From when I was 5 and starting acting classes at Sylvia Young to when I was 11 doing free theatre performances in the park, to being 20 and performing at the National Theatre. I’ve loved every step of it and plan to love it for many years to come.
What would be your biggest piece of advice for someone who wants to be a performer?
Follow your heart relentlessly. Ignore anyone that says you can’t. Ignore anyone who says you need to be realistic. Ignore anyone who is being negative on your dreams. If you know in your heart this is what you want to do, do it! I was born and raised in Kilburn. My mum was raising me and my little sister on under £12,000 a year. None of my families were artists. Not many of my family worked. None of my friends liked acting or the arts. No money, no connections and no support… But something in me just knew this is what I want to do. And a lot of people hated me for it. Alot of family thought I was being stupid and lazy. I’m grateful I didn’t listen. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
How are the rehearsals for the show going so far?
Rehearsals are flying. The cast are so talented. The team is really special, and I am super lucky. I can’t wait to show the world how hard we’ve been working.
Without giving anything away what are you most looking forward to for the audiences to see?
I’m excited for the audience to see our transitions from scene to scene. It’s slick!
Describe the show in one sentence or 3 words.
Dartford, Hastings, Margate by the sea.
Flock begins previews at Oxford's 'Old Fire Station' and then will play Soho Theatre from 8th of October till the 2nd of November.
Comments