London’s Upstairs at the Gatehouse Theatre hosts the world premiere of former Sunday Times journalist Judi Bevan’s debut play – exploring the difficulties of international adoption during the 90s. Guillermo Nazara chats with the show’s leading actress, to learn all the fun facts about this poignant story meant to give birth to a new train of thought.
How does it feel to be originating the lead role in such a poignant new story?
It’s both fun and challenging and I feel honoured to be a part of it. There’s a unique challenge in shaping a role from the ground up, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Collaborating with such a brilliant and talented group of people to tell a story that resonates so deeply has been amazing.
What has the process of building this character been like?
It’s been an exciting journey. Thinking back to the first reading, there have been many discoveries throughout for the entire cast. There’s a lot at stake for Julia which pushes her into various emotional states. Chris Hunter, the director, has been brilliant at exploring the central relationship in the play, and how it develops during the difficult adoption process.
As an actress, what challenges do you find in delivering a role that has never been portrayed before?
Well, you really want to do it justice. Judi Bevan, the writer, has come to some of our rehearsals and the play does reflect some elements of her own story. She’s been so open and generous in sharing it that we all want to make sure we tell it properly. I love playing a role that’s never been portrayed before because you start with a totally fresh canvas – you’re not influenced by actors who’ve also played it or other people’s take on them. It’s yours to play with and the script gave us all so much to work with.
What about the challenges of this role in particular?
The play covers nearly 2 years of this couple’s life in around 2 hours. This means Julia and Dan experience so much in a short space of time and without sounding cliché is really is a rollercoaster. Excitement, hope, fear, pain… it’s all there. In rehearsals, we worked chronologically, and you would get so immersed in the scene you’re working on and where the characters are at the point in time, it could be challenging having a clear picture in your head of the journey as a whole. Trying to play the truth of the scene but remember where it is in the overall arc of the play. Ultimately, our director had such a clear vision that we didn’t need to worry. We all trusted him and he guided us through any challenges we faced.
How do you think this character will resonate with audiences, including those who have never been through an adoption process?
Our director highlighted throughout that whilst there are big issues covered in this play, such as adoption, it’s also a play about human beings. They are such rich characters with their own story to tell; their own lives, hopes, dreams and fears. Whether you can relate to the issues or not, I know people will be drawn to the characters and interested in how they behave in difficult times. I do also think that infertility and adoption are such important issues right now. It’s great how much more it is talked about in the media – and if telling these stories in plays can make just one person feel less alone in their own struggles, that can only be a good thing.
Does the role resonate with you to any personal degree?
Julia feels very strongly, which is something I relate to. She feels safe with Dan (her husband) and doesn’t shy away from her intensity of feeling. That’s definitely something we share.
Among its many themes, the play explores the emotional journey of building a new family. Do you think that’s become a more difficult challenge in today’s society?
I do, definitely. I know so many people who have had been on such difficult journeys with this and it causes immense pain. IVF is often still only available for people who can afford it, and that feels unfair. I also think medical science still knows very little about fertility issues and female health. I really hope some advances in this area are made.
How would you define the show’s message?
When the system overtakes the individual, things get lost and people lose out.
What about your character’s message – if you’re trying to convey any through your performance?
Don’t give up.
Why come see Too Many Books?
There is so much in this play and I think that different characters will resonate with different people. I can’t wait to talk to audiences about their responses to the piece. Judi is also a successful journalist and ‘Too Many Books’ is full of fascinating information as well as drama. So much about the adoption process I knew very little about before. It’s also set in the 1990s, so audience members will enjoy a trip back in time. The play will send you out of the theatre with so much to think about, and that’s something I love with good writing.
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All production pictures credit to Alex Brenner.
Too Many Books plays at London’s Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 16 March. Tickets are available on the following link.