Ayesha Dharker returns to Kiln Theatre to play Hema in the world premiere of Anupama Chandrasekhar’s When the Crows Visit, directed by Indhu Rubasingham.
Inspired by true events in modern-day India, Anupama Chandrasekhar explores the themes of Ibsen’s Ghosts and the cyclical nature of oppression in a dark and thrilling world première.
When The Crows Visit, featuring Ayesha Dharker, is at Kiln Theatre 23rd October to 30th November 2019.
You’re playing Hema in When The Crows Visit, what can you tell us about it?
‘When the Crows Visit’ is a script that had haunted me for three years. I did a workshop for it and wasn’t able to get it out of my mind. It is a thriller with a very dark heart. I have never seen the issue of violence against women dealt with in this way. It is written by a woman – Anupama Chandrasekhar, a writer I have worked with before at the Royal Court. It looks at the role of women and society when it comes to dealing with violent crime. Hema finds herself in a position where her son is accused of a violent crime and has to navigate a broken system, a hypocritical society and her own hidden demons to try to protect her son.
How would you describe your character?
Hema is an interesting character to play because she is always trying to keep control. I get to play someone in a private space where they feel that no one can see them and then play them when they put on a mask or a persona for the outside world. She is not in control, she cannot know what is visible about her and is a product of all the unseen things that she has lived through and the society in which she lives.
How does it feel returning to The Kiln after appearing in White Teeth?
It is an exciting building to be in. White Teeth was one of the most rewarding jobs I have been involved with because of the huge response from local people to the show and the cast and crew who were exceptional. It is a joy to be in a happy, buzzing theatre especially when doing a thriller like this. When you feel supported by a strong director and part of a strong ensemble, you can really delve into the darkness of the material.
What do you like most about Anupama Chandrasekhar’s writing?
Anupama really gives a voice to what is actually happening in India. Because of the detail and unflinching view of that society, the plays she writes have a universality. She does not romanticise the issues she deals with and having a woman’s view is so different because she can be tougher. Women in her plays are not passive victims even when they are pushed into impossible situations and I feel that that is a true reflection of what women do all the time in any society.
How well do you think this play reflects modern day India?
It reflects an India and a wider society that we don’t see often enough. It really is a play in which people from different times and different realities exist at the same time and that is a cause of conflict. Very different rules apply in the world of the play – if you are a woman, if you are of a different class or caste but this is not spelled out in an obvious way. It is a snapshot of an event which brings out what people really think and feel which is revealing and I think universal.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see When The Crows Visit?
When the Crows Visit is a cold hearted thriller set in urban India. It is the first time I have understood why events like the one in the play keep happening and what it would take to make a change not just in India but anywhere in the world.
Main Image: Ayesha Dharker. Photo by Mark Douet
