Yasmin Joseph’s debut play J’Ouvert will be opening, in line with government guidelines. Curated by SFP alongside Ian Rickson who becomes Artistic Director for the season, the collection of plays tackle urgent issues that are key to rebuilding our society.
“What people you know can party through all of the earth’s elements?”
Carnival is here. The streets of Notting Hill are alive with history and amongst the pulsating soca, dazzling colour, and endless sequins and feathers, Jade and Nadine are fighting for space in a world they thought was theirs. A timely reflection on the Black British experience and sexual politics of Carnival, J’Ouvert is a piercing, hilarious and fearless story of two best friends, battling to preserve tradition in a society where women’s bodies are frequently under threat.
The Artiscape spoke to actor Sapphire Joy, ahead of J’Ouvert opening on the West End as part of Sonia Friedman Productions Re:Emerge season.
Sapphire Joy plays Jade. Her theatre credits include Anansi The Spider (Unicorn Theatre), Grey (Ovalhouse), J’Ouvert (Theatre503), Twelfth Night (Southwark Playhouse), Our Country’s Good (Nottingham Playhouse), The Interrogation of Sandra Bland (Bush Theatre) and Imogen (Shakespeare’s Globe). Her television credits include Speak For Herself, Casualty, Seconds From Disaster: Jonestown Cult Suicide and Crimewatch.
Can you tell us a bit more about J’Ouvert and the role you play?
Joy: I play the role of Jade, often caught in between her two friends, Nadine and Nisha trying her best to support them both whilst going through a transition to step into her own greatness.
We are bringing Notting Hill Carnival to you live and direct! We’ve got music, we’ve got dancing, and we will be remembering and honouring communities of both past and present.
What do you think the audience will take from this production?
Joy: Joy is one of the best forms of resistance! Celebrating the individual, the community, the ancestors, our accomplishments, our strength, and our future. In amongst all the hardships and uncertainty of this world I hope J’Ouvert reminds the audience to celebrate!
What are you most excited about, coming out of lockdown and returning to the Westend?
Joy: The answer is in the question. I’m excited to be both out of lockdown (somewhat) and performing in the WestEnd!
What do see are the challenges for actors in coming out of lockdown and back into theatres?
Joy: Well for all creatives in the theatre industry I think a major challenge is doing what we love, whilst navigating government guidelines. And a great way to overcome this is to continue to support each other, as we always have done especially during these last 18 months.
