“I would promote more diversity and inclusion. I think there has been an evident improvement, but who says we are to stop there? There are stories to be told and voices to be heard – people to be healed and represented and spoken to. This craft and art form has the power to change, educate and empower, and I don’t believe in that being kept exclusive to those who can afford access. This being the case limits dreamers. Where I’m from, studying art or even joining the industry looks unattainable, because it is so far away from us. Doing things that you want to pursue seems unattainable or impossible because it seems like it is not for us. I believe in implementing more diversity and inclusion and showing young people who look like me and come from where I come from that this is attainable, and your story and talent matter, because I had the talent in the tank but not in the bank, and that should never be an issue.
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Who is an actor, director and casting director that you’d love to work with?
Definitely Paapa Essiedu, my Ghanaian brother, who’s an absolute powerhouse of an actor on both stage and screen. I’d love to work with him and learn. A director I’d like to work with is Jamie Lloyd. I have never witnessed theatre done in that way before, and can only imagine the play and exploration in the rehearsal process to be fascinating. My casting director would 100% be Kharmel Cochrane. Everything she has cast is gold – I’ll watch something great and go immediately to the credits and see ‘Kharmel Cochrane’. She doesn’t miss.
What book, theatre, film or TV show has inspired you lately?
One of my close boys recommended a book for me to read. I was going to gatekeep it, but here’s free game. The Outstanding Actor Seven Keys to Success by Ken Rea. It’s written and structured beautifully and looks at what makes the ‘outstanding actor’, accumulated from his vast knowledge and experience working with actors. The wisdom and experience that that man has are embedded in the book. It has given me new perspectives to view acting both theoretically and practically – great book!
What is the best piece of industry advice you’ve been given?
‘Be you’ sounds so wet, but in this craft, we can spend so much time playing other people that we forget that the most real character is ourselves. That’s our USP – no one can approach something the same way you approach something, everyone is unique and different. So use that unique individuality to influence character, to make a statement and to make an impression.
What would be your dream role?
I’m not sure. I don’t think it exists yet. But if Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ever returns, I’d love to be ‘Gooper’. What a top tier play!
What advice do you have for performers just about to begin their training?
Throw yourself into it and fail. Without failure, there is no success. Do not try to be perfect or do things the ‘correct’ way – it doesn’t exist. Play and hone your craft, take what works for you, constantly push yourself and have fun! Too many people want to make it a suit-and-tie situation, but you’re there to train in something you enjoy and have a passion for. Charge that into everything – lead with that passion.