Sirine Saba plays Zoe in Laura Waldren’s prize-winning play Some Demon at the Arcola Theatre.
Sam’s eighteen and her life’s about to start. Zoe’s forty-something and hers never did. They don’t have much in common. Just a love of 80s’ new wave, and an illness that wants them dead.
Thrown together in an eating disorder unit, their most intimate secrets exposed, they form a complicated bond. When another patient turns the ward into chaos, they face questions that dictate their survival. Most of all: how to navigate an institution that keeps you safe inside but unable to cope outside?
Some Demon is at Arcola Theatre 14th June until 6th July
Some Demon is coming to Arcola Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
The show is a slice of life in an eating disorder unit told in a true, authentic, funny, heartbreaking and thought-provoking way.
What was it about Laura Waldren’s script that made you want to be part of the production?
How incredibly real all the characters are. How they talk. What they say. How funny they are. How much they taught me about the world they live in.
You’re playing Zoe, what do you love most about the character?
I think Zoe might be one of the best characters I have ever read. Strong, wise, witty, acerbic but with the softest centre of vulnerability and some of the best one-liners I have ever spoken!
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge will be honouring the authentic characters and story that Laura has written. It is SUCH a wonderful play to read and it is our job to make sure that it is just as wonderful and true on the stage.
Why do you think this story will resonate with audiences?
I hope it will resonate because at the end of the day it’s about PEOPLE. Humans. In all our messy, tragic, dark, funny truth. The complexity of the human spirit. And how we deal with mental illness in a world that perhaps does not support us in the way we need it to.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Some Demon?
DO NOT HESITATE. One of the best plays I have ever read (and I’ve been doing this a LONG TIME!).
