Inspired by the real-life kidnapping of over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls in 2014, Theresa Ikoko’s play returns to the London stage ten years after its world premiere, in a new production marking Ewan Dina’s debut at the Young Vic. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of the show’s leads about the challenges of bringing such a powerful story to life and the message the piece carries.
What enticed you to be a part of the show?
The show revolves around three young black girls and their lived experience, which is something very important and close to home for me. Being from Nigeria myself and knowing about the issues girls there face on a daily basis, I strongly believe the world need to care more about what they are going through, and this show perfectly shows us why their stories and their voices are important.
What has your character development process been like?
It has been a huge challenge for me as an actor, and has definitely been a hard process – but good, too! Having to draw on the real lived experiences of these girls has been a real challenge as their stories are heartbreaking, but in order to serve them and to do this story justice, thorough research and specific character study has been very important in the process.
How have you approached the psychological turmoil the characters experience?
I approached it with care and curiosity. It was important for me not to be generic with the experience of pain, fear, and worry, and to really understand and learn about what they went through, and do my best to portray that on stage.
How is the theme of friendship explored throughout the narrative?
It’s explored through singing, dancing, joking, but also explored in harder ways like when they argue, when they are put in life or death situations, and in the choices each character makes.
What particular challenges have you found in these roles?
The biggest challenge for me has been the fact that this is based on a real event, all the horrible things that occurred are things the real girls experienced in real life, which is hard to reckon with. My biggest hope is that all girls – the ones waiting for freedom in Nigeria and across the world – will be seen, heard and recognised as people.
Why come see ‘Girls’?
It’s a critical story and eye opening on how the world sees and treats its girls.
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Production pictures credit to Helen Murray.
The Girls plays at London’s Young Vic until 21 November. Tickets are available on the following link.