Stevie Basaula directs Intermission Youth’s Taming Who? at the Arcola Theatre, which marks the company’s 15 years working in theatre and with young people.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, this special anniversary production, adapted by IY’s award-winning Artistic Director Darren Raymond, will be performed by graduates of its Youth Theatre training programme (IYT), now working professionally across stage and screen.
This fast-paced Shakespeare remix interweaves 400-year-old verse with new dialogue to give fresh relevance, challenges gender stereotypes presented in Shakespeare’s original and explores identity and coming of age through the lens of youth culture in London today.
The production, staged from 30 November to 14 December, will be directed by Stevie Basaula best known for his role in EastEnders as Isaac Baptiste (he also appeared in SKY’S Bulletproof and various roles at the RSC including Macbeth and Merry Wives of Windsor) and a former Intermission Youth Theatre alumnus.
What can you tell us about the show?
The show is a modern-day adaptation based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Our version starts with Petruchio needing to find a wife before his mother arrives in England from Nigeria in two days.
What was it about Darren Raymond ‘s adaptation that made you want to be involved in this production?
I’ve worked with Darren on and off for almost ten years so we have a really good personal relationship, as well as a good artistic relationship. I was a part of the youth theatre in 2014 which is when this adaption first had its debut and I played the part of Gremio. Darren has always encouraged me to direct, so when he said there’d be a graduate production to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Intermission Youth and asked if I would like to direct, it seemed like a great 360 moment and real opportunity for me to develop my muscles as a director.
Tell us a bit about your history with Intermission and how they supported you in your career?
I was introduced to Intermission through a friend. It sounded like a great opportunity to develop my craft and find community within the arts.
I met Darren and he welcomed me into the cohort. I remember him saying that there’d be no payment and the only thing that he wanted was my commitment – that made a big difference, had I had to pay I probably wouldn’t have been able to get the training and support I received because of the financial barrier. Shortly after joining I managed to get an agent and started getting work.
So how does it feel to be returning to mark their 15th anniversary celebrations?
It’s wonderful to be a part of that history, I can’t believe it’s been 15 years. So much good has come from it, not only for me but so many others who have had the opportunity to join the youth theatre and develop themselves both creatively and personally. I’m really happy for its existence.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you in directing this show?
Trying to find new ways to address some of the problematic themes within the play, and figuring out how to empower the characters that are affected.
And what would you say to anybody coming to see the show?
Tell your friends to come too!
For more information go to – https://www.intermissionyouththeatre.co.uk/whats-on
