Andrew French appears in the world première of Zodwa Nyoni’s The Darkest Part of the Night which will open at The Kiln Theatre on 21 July, with previews from 14 July, and runs until 13 August.
Nancy Medina directs Brianna Douglas, Andrew French, James Clyde, Hannah Morrish, Lee Phillips and Nadia Williams.
You’re appearing in The Darkest Part of the Night at Kiln Theatre, what can you tell us about the play?
It’s a play about a West Indian family and jumps from the present back to the 80’s. They have a child with autism and a Daughter, who we follow into the present. They have to deal with all the pain and laughter that living in England at that time brings. It’s about grief and family and also has some really great music!
What was it about Zodwa Nyoni’s writing that made you want to be part of this production?
I’ve worked on Zodwa’s work before and love how good an ear she has. She also writes bravely about family. She’s a real talent.
Why do you think it’s so important that the experiences of child carers are explored in this way?
They do such a vital job. I really think we can judge a society by how we treat those who look after people we’ve forgotten. There are so few plays dealing with this, but look around! For those with eyes to see, there are carers everywhere, living lives that must at times seem very lonely. It’s such an inspiring and noble story, it needed to be told.
Tell us a little about your characters?
I play Leroy who is the Father of the family. He is a wonderful character who is full of charm and also anger. He is dealing with a world that he doesn’t have the tools for. I don’t like him but I do love him! I also play Calvin who is the husband of Shirley who we see as a young girl and as an adult. He is kind and long suffering, but maybe he has had enough!
What do you think will be the most challenging thing for you about this role?
The most challenging thing about this role is the emotional depth and personal history I’ve had to dig through to get to the truth of the character. I also have to wear a wig, which, in this recent weather, has been…a challenge. I also have to speak in two different accents. Whenever one has to play two characters, you have to make sure that you try and give both of them as much background and care as you can.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see The Darkest Part of the Night?
Come! It’s a glimpse into a world that is true and brave and clear. It’s a night out that takes you back and looks forward. And theatre makes us all a little bit more human. And we have air conditioning!
“There are so few plays dealing with this, but look around! For those with eyes to see, there are carers everywhere, living lives that must at times seem very lonely”
