Papatango New Writing Prize-winner Shook by Samuel Bailey follows a group of young men in a young offenders institute. It was due to transfer to the West End when the pandemic hit. Shook has now been filmed and will be available to watch online from Friday 5 February until Sunday 28 February 2021.
The Artiscape spoke to actor Ivan Oyik who plays Riyad.
Can you tell me about the character you play?
Oyik: Riyad is a teenager who is currently spending time in a young offenders’ institution. He’s also a young dad who hopes that when he is released he can change his life around and become responsible for both his own life and his son.
Riyad is headstrong, intelligent and confident, but unfortunately his upbringing forced him into a gang-affiliated life which led him to where he is now. He’s very aware of what he’s done, but uses that as a way to help and redirect his fellow inmates Cain and Jonjo. You could call him the leader of the group.
What are you looking forward to, in performing in this production?
Oyik: What I’m looking forward to the most is for a wider audience to see Shook.
From our run at Southwark Playhouse and the tour and seeing and hearing all the reactions and positive reviews it was a shame that we couldn’t go to the West End, but there’s always a silver lining and that’s knowing a lot more people will get to enjoy Shook once more.
How did you research your character?
Oyik: Samuel Bailey helped a lot with the research of YOIs, so he brought that into our rehearsal rooms, which gave me an insight into the routine and life of the youths inside.
Also Riyad isn’t too dissimilar from a lot of boys I know, the life they’ve had to live due to their environment and upbringing, so that helped me a lot in developing Riyad as a character.
What were the challenges you faced in rehearsing this role in a covid lockdown?
Oyik: We had to use a smaller group so it was literally just the cast of the play and our director George Turvey during our rehearsal and filming.
I saw the play when it initially premiered. How will this performance differ from the original production?
Oyik: Apart from the fact that it’s been filmed and is not in front of a live audience, there’s isn’t that much of a difference from the original show.
I don’t want to reveal too much, however, as I’d rather people watch it and see for themselves. But for those who have watched it already I’m sure they’ll be pleased by what we’ve done!
What would you like an audience to take away from this?
Oyik: I hope they take away the authenticity and truth of Shook. It’s not about criminals but about a group of young boys who are just trying to navigate life despite their circumstances.
It’s a look into a group of individuals that doesn’t get highlighted normally, and if they do it’s usually in a negative light, and I want this to change people’s views on that.
Shook has now been filmed and will be available to watch online from Friday 5 February until Sunday 28 February 2021.
