Manjeet Maat best-selling teen novel returns to the stage through this first-ever adaptation currently touring around the UK until the end of the month. Guillermo Nazara chats with its lead actor, to learn all the details about performing a story where strength lies within every impediment.
How does it feel to be originating the lead role in the first stage adaptation of such a successful book?
It feels surreal quite honestly. I remember when I first read the script and I immediately fell in love with the story. I knew in that moment that no matter the outcome, I’d love to come and watch the show, and that whoever got the part, I just hoped they would do the story justice; I immediately felt such a strong connection to it, so the fact that, not only have I got the blessed opportunity to audition for the part, but also got the role of Amber too. It’s definitely a “pinch myself” moment. We’re touring for the second time round now, and I am still just as in awe of being a part of this play as I was the first time round. It’s a dream come true.
As an actor, what’s been the process of developing this part like?
Gosh – I think every actor would be so lucky to have such a journey with any complex character like Amber. It’s why we love what we do. Amber is the sheer embodiment of what human beings are described as. She’s angry, feisty, scared, anxious, passionate, happy, excited, going through all the emotions in the journey of a healing human being goes through, not to mention she’s a teenager, so that comes with its own set of feeling like everything is the end of the world. She’s a joy to discover, and I feel that, as an actor, I am constantly learning something new about her every single day. She will forever be an unfinished journey.
What challenges do you find behind creating a role for the very first time?
It’s been tough at times. When getting the absolute privilege to embody such complex characters, as actors we have to be careful about how we take on emotions that aren’t necessarily ours. I think my biggest challenge in creating my version of Amber is trying to understand where her feelings of hurt sit within her. How much of that pain from her childhood has accumulated and what really got her into running in the first place. Why running? Where did it all begin for her? At what moment did she decide that running was going to be a huge catalyst in saving her? I guess it’s something we’ll never know, so for me, the biggest challenge is filling in the gaps. What led her to exactly where she is right now in this play. What moments, people and places helped define and shape her personality and how much generational trauma she had to carry.
Have you found any additional challenges in this show in particular?
Additional challenges would be more technical for me, I’d say – in terms of her posture, her mannerisms, how passionate she is in sitting with her own story and telling the audience what it means for her. I would also say that I’m definitely not a runner, although I can appreciate how magical and freeing it must be for a runner to have such a passion for it. So I’ve really had to learn how to enjoy exercising and learning to look after my body more. I couldn’t imagine Amber eating as much chocolate as I do, so it’s something I’ve had to really try and dial down on.
How much of Amber do you find in yourself? And how much of yourself have you put into your rendition?
It’s quite ironic really. I think Amber is so relatable to anyone who’s grown up in a culturally strict background. Especially from my experience growing up in the South Asian community, it was always very much a “what will people think” kind of community. Generational trauma is a key component for many of us growing up in a south Asian household. We were very much taught to live for a certain reputation, and to look good in front of others, so we’d be respected, rather than going for what truly makes us feel alive and happy. For this very reason, I feel incredibly proud that I’m chasing after my own dreams and doing so by telling a story that relates to exactly what my own upbringing was like. I see so much of myself in Amber, except that what running means to her, storytelling means to me. I think what I add to it is the dedication to telling this story right. Because of this story, young girls like who I once was, will now have representation on world book day, they’ll have someone to look up to and be shown that they are not the product of their own environment, that they have what it takes to break the cycle and be WHOEVER they want to be and the possibility in this world, is limitless, regardless of what a community tells us.
What traits, would you say, make your character unique?
I think what makes Amber unique is actually her relatability, quite honestly. Which is what anyone would assume to be quite the opposite of unique. I think her ability to wear all her emotions in such a complex manner, to deal with such difficult emotions that are so incredibly profound to comprehend at 15 years old, is just a testament to how strong and powerful young Amber is. I think her ability to be so passionate and to carry on through all of those difficult emotions is what makes her unique as people can see a lot of themselves in her. It’s also really a testament to Manjeet Maan, the writer and Tessa Walker, the Director, for swaying Amber in the direction she has gone in for this story. It’s truly such a privilege getting to discover who she is.
Why come see Run, Rebel?
I think, if you get the blessed opportunity to watch Run, Rebel, take that chance with both hands! This story uncovers so many themes that anyone can relate to. It’s complex, nuanced and talks about huge emotions in a family friendly way. It’s something I wish I had growing up myself. Although it talks about themes of trauma, alcoholism, violence, paranoia, and fear, this story also talks about hope, passion, curiosity, excitement and the start of something new. This story displays so much hope for who we are as human beings. It’s such a beautiful story that so many generations can watch! It’s great for older generations, as it shows just how much our elders had to fight for their place, to get us to where we are today and how many sacrifices were made, just for the present moment. This story will teach the generation after us, just how limitless our ability to thrive can be. I urge anyone to watch this! I guarantee there is something for everyone in this story, not to mention how fun and creative the set looks as well as, how amazing the cast and crew are! Run Rebel is most certainly a show for everyone, so it’s an absolute “MUST SEE”!
Read our interview with author Manjeet Maan here!
Run, Rebel is on tour until 9 November. Tickets are available on the following link.
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