Kammy Darweish plays Mansha in Ishy Din’s Approaching Empty at Kiln Theatre. The production opens at Kiln Theatre on 14 January, with previews from 9 January, and runs until 2 February.
Following performances at Kiln Theatre, the production tours to Live Theatre, Newcastle; Tron Theatre, Glasgow; Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh; Derby Theatre; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry; Curve, Leicester; Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, and Coliseum Theatre, Oldham.
You’re starring in Approaching Empty at Kiln Theatre, what can you tell us about it?
It’s about two very close friends who love and care for each, though are diametrically opposed in their politics, philosophy and ethics. It’s also a story of how a single betrayal can impose a concertina effect on a group of people.
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
First and foremost I am an actor and must go where the work is. But this is particularly powerful play which I wanted to be involved. Ishy has certainly exercised our acting chops with the characters he written for us. It also gave me the opportunity to work with the wonderful and insightful Pooja Ghai (our director). I also get to spar with my old acting chum Nick Khan, as well as a fantastic cast of actors.
How would you describe your character?
Mansha is a warm, honest, reliable, funny, caring fastidious traditionalist who still believes in the power of a handshake. He also believes that his ideals have been corrupted by greed and capitalism, which has made him bitter through the passage of time.
What do you like most about Ishy Din’s writing?
His honesty. Ishy is a writer that does not mince his words. He doesn’t write about the shadows of people but drives through right up to their internal organs and spits them out. His sharp, incisive, observations of people and places allows you to infiltrate a world without gimmickry. He shows that human nature is never black and white, but a multitude of different colours that drives us to every motive and action we face.
Approaching Empty will tour after it’s run at The Kiln, what are you looking forward to most about touring?
Touring isn’t as romantic as people think, but it is a privilege to see so many cities that you ordinarily wouldn’t go to. I must admit that I do have a soft spot for Edinburgh and Glasgow. I also have bond with Newcastle where I played at Northern Stage in 2017.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Approaching Empty?
Come and see it!
