In this Behind the curtain interview we speak to star of this brand-new version of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, which is a co-production with Hackney Empire, The Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, Mia Khan.
Firstly, could you introduce yourself and tell us your journey into the industry? And tell us what made you say yes to doing this project?
Hey, my name is Mia Khan and I’m playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at Theatre Belgrade Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and Hackney Empire.
Playing Juliet and being able throw my hat into that ring as a young actor is a total dream and with the added bonus of being able to sing in a passion project from so many people in this production it was a no brainier.
Romeo & Juliet is one of William Shakespeare's most famous works that has had many adaptations, what makes this production different from others?
This version of R&J is underscored by an original body of music as well as keeping iambic pentameter - adding to an already iconic play through That’s a Raps words and relatability and modernisation.
This production contains RAP and R&B music. What does this add to the original text used in general and how does this add to your character of Juliet?
The music expands characters, such as Juliet’s song “Slipping Away” highlighting how the men in her life have had such control over her narrative, it gives autonomy to the choice of taking her own life in her journey. The music is an extension of the already feeling and fully fleshed characters.
You play Juliet, what would you say is the hardest and best part of playing this character?
The lamentation of the 2nd half of the show feels like a marathon. But in the best way. She’s a total gift of a role.
You have done both screen and stage acting. What has been the one thing that you have learnt from both stage and screen acting that you didn’t know before starting?
My experience has been screen prep is all at home and a lot of stage prep happens in the room. Obviously with Shakespeare so much analysis and prep happens before, but a lot of the discovery and play is in the room rather than a pre-formed idea that’s needs gentle guidance. Although maybe that’s just from my experiences, Marc Evans was a brilliant first professional director to see run a screen space.
What is the one Shakespeare play that you would love to do and why?
I would love to play Rosalind in As You Like it. Purely because she is such a brilliant and witty character. I’d also love to throw my hat in for Ophelia one day because she’s a power house that I feel often gets way sided. But I feel so many Shakespeare characters are such gifts. I would actually love to do Romeo and Juliet again as Romeo. But Juliet now for obvious reasons has my heart.
What was it that made you want to be a performer?
Seeing the creative scene in Cardiff with places like The Other Room and Young Actors Studio. Being taught by actors and creatives like Dan Jones, Matthew Bulgo, Anita Reynolds, Tonya Smith - who are out there working and doing it. Made the whole world of this industry feel possible to me.
How has rehearsal been, and what has been the one thing you have learnt from the project so far?
Playing such a beast of a character this early in my career has been such a gift as well as a challenge. But has really made me feel I can do so much and excited at the prospect of other roles like it.
Favourite part of the show?
I have a few back to back scenes in the 2nd half that feel like a runaway train once I get on it. I love performing that.
Describe Romeo & Juliet in one sentence or three words?
What a way to go.
Romeo and Juliet plays at the Bristol Old Vic from Wednesday 12th of March until Saturday 5th of April, before playing at the Hackney Empire from the 23rd - 26th of April.
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