Lisa Zahra appears in Out of the Dark, the debut play written by Suzy Gill at Rose Theatre Kingston.
Fay Lomas, winner of the 2019 Peter Hall Emerging Artist Fellowship, an annual award introduced to commemorate the legacy of Sir Peter Hall, directs.
Out of the Dark opens at the Rose Studio on Wednesday 30 October and runs until Saturday 2 November 2019.
You’re appearing in Out of the Dark at Rose Theatre Kingston, what can you tell us about it?
It’s a new play by Suzy Gill about a couple who have a baby daughter called Lily, who at 6 months old gets very ill. The play explores the challenges of accepting and dealing with a child with a severe life-threatening illness. The play is set around an abstract idea of space and the stars, so the story is told beautifully on a magical set.
How would you describe your character?
She is a loving and caring mother who is fiercely determined and independent, which unfortunately isolates her at times in the story. She is sacrificial and utterly committed to finding out anything she can about Lily’s condition to help to better Lily’s life. Through fear I think she can make herself cold and insular at times with her husband, when really what she needs is absolute love and support.
What do you think has been the biggest challenge in bringing this play to the stage?
The challenge is making sure we depict an accurate portrayal of a family coping with a child with a long-term illness, and the affects it has on all involved.
How do you think Out of the Dark captures family life?
It’s a story about a family situation that unfortunately is common in real life, there are children and parents going through it every day. The play highlights what happens to the family in turmoil, it explores marriage and devotion to your child. It shows the human condition trying to find hope & love at the darkest of times.
What have you learned from director, and winner of the Peter Hall Emerging Artist Fellowship, Faye Lomas?
So much. I worked with Fay last year on Macbeth with the National Theatre, Fay directed me as Lady Macbeth. She is a wonderful director, she’s so bright, & knowledgeable.  Fay is always generous and patient and really listens to you, she takes the time to really see what your capable of as an actor and has a great willingness for exploration. It makes for such satisfying work. I am over the moon to be back in a rehearsal room with her. I just know great things will continue to happen for Fay, she’s a special lady.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Out of the Dark?
Please come. Enjoy the world that’s been created, it’s an exciting space, the design and music and choreography are epic and the story is moving, honest, relevant and important.
Out of the Dark, starring Lisa Zahra, opens at the Rose Studio on Wednesday 30 October and runs until Saturday 2 November 2019.
