Moronkẹ Akinola makes her professional stage debut alongside Janie Dee in the European premiere of the hit Off-Broadway play The Niceties by Eleanor Burgess.
The Niceties is a complex and compelling depiction of racial and generational divides which speaks directly to our polarised, post-truth era, as it asks who gets to tell the story of America, and how.
The Niceties, starring Moronkẹ Akinola, is at the Finborough Theatre for a strictly limited four-week season from Tuesday, 1 October 2019.
You’re starring in The Niceties at The Finborough, what can you tell us about it?
It’s a play that features two women within a university, one studying and one teaching and exploring what it means to have conversations people should have but are afraid to. It’s a relevant play with passion, exceptional writing and courage.
How would you describe your character?
Bold. Young. Intelligent. Committed. Socially Aware. Growing.
Why is this play the right one for you to make your professional stage debut?
I don’t know what would make a play the ‘right one’ to make my stage debut, but it’s the right play for me because it’s already stretching me as a person and an actor. I’m very excited to do something challenging, interesting and rich and I think that is a very good way to start your stage career. Diving in with something that allows you to learn constantly. I’m doing this play because it’s bold and I like bold.
What has impressed you most about the writing of Eleanor Burgess?
It’s very sophisticated in its nuances and the way ideas are explored. New ideas, concepts, feelings are revealed each time you read or watch the text. Eleanor Burgess has written a fantastic relatable piece for everyone to witness.
What are you looking forward to most about working with Janie Dee?
Working with Janie has been delightful. She is brilliant and it’s an honour to work with her, learn from her and hear her stories. I’m especially excited to be able to see how as the run progresses, our show evolves and what new elements can be brought to performances.
What’s been your biggest learning so far during rehearsals?
I’ve learnt to learn constantly. I already know it’s important to learn, but you can learn so much just from listening and asking and trying new methods. So being open to learning even when I have a technique, idea, or way of doing something.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see The Niceties?
Come. Come to be entertained as well as challenged. Come to experience. Come to witness. Come to be stimulated. Come to be a part of the conversation.
