Annice Boparai will be joined by Nicole Lecky and Yvette Boakye to bring to life J’Ouvert, the debut play from one of Theatre503’s resident playwright’s Yasmin Joseph. An incredible team of black women and non-binary artists join forces to present a rhythmic and vibrant testimony of womanhood in this authentic show.
Rebekah Murrell will make her directorial debut offering a timely reflection on the Black British experience and the sexual politics that are experienced at Carnival and beyond. In a time when this country is constantly under threat, J’Ouvert reminds us to release our inhibitions while asking us what it means to belong.
J’Ouvert is at Theatre503 29th May to 22nd June 2019.
How would you describe your character?
Nisha! Haha, well you can’t mention her character without smiling. What can I say. She’s a force. Loud, independent and fiercely passionate about campaigning for diversity. Her heart is very much in the right place but unfortunately, she lacks cultural awareness and her eagerness to please can often have the opposite effect. Though she appears confident, throughout the play we see Nisha battle with her identity just as much as the other two characters as she tries to figure out her belonging in this complex society.
What have you enjoyed most about Yasmin Joseph’s writing?
Yasmin’s writing is initially what drew me to the project. When I first auditioned, I was excited by the fact that writing like this is being produced and voices are going to be put on stage that would never usually get this platform. Its bold, stylised and isn’t afraid to talk about topics so many shy away from. But most importantly it’s deeply embedded in truth and that’s a beautiful thing to bring to life.
What are the challenges do you think of bringing Notting Hill Carnival to the stage?
Notting Hill Carnival is such a big and vibrant experience, so I think the challenge is transferring that energy into a little stage above a pub(!) Bringing the outside in. But Yasmin’s writing brilliantly captures the atmosphere and all the different shifts you experience at carnival so I have no doubt that people will feel immersed in the carnival experience.
What are you looking forward to most about performing in an all-female cast?
What’s wonderful about this project is not only are the cast all female, but the whole team are female. And with that comes a real sense of solidarity and embracing the strength in what it means to be a woman. The play involves a lot multi rolling and it proves that the days are gone of needing a man to tell a male narrative, women are just as capable!
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see J’Ouvert?
Be prepared to go on a journey that will make you laugh, challenge your opinions and pull at your heart. But most importantly be prepared for feathers, Soca Music and partying Carnival style.
