Clybourne Park is a razor-sharp satire about the politics of race and real estate.
Written by Bruce Norris who is a Tony and Olivier and Pulitzer award winning author, Clybourne Park returns to London for the 10th Anniversary of this award-winning play. This follows sell out runs at the Royal Court and in the West End.
It’s 1959. Russ and Bev are moving to the suburbs after the tragic death of their son having sold their house to the neighbourhood’s first black family.
Decades later, the roles are reversed. Now a young white couple buys the lot in what is now a predominantly black neighbourhood, signalling a new wave of gentrification.
In both instances, a community showdown takes place – are the same issues festering beneath the floorboards fifty years on?
Alisha Bailey plays Francine/Lena in the play.
Her theatre credits includes The Twilight Zone (Almeida Theatre and Ambassadors Theatre) and A Raisin in the Sun (Sheffield Theatres). She also appeared in Call the Midwife, Save Me, Strike, Chewing Gum and Doctor Who; and in films, Backdraft 2, Lake Placid: Legacy, I Give It A Year and The Decoy Bride.
The Artiscape spoke to her about her role in the play,
What attracted you to the script?
Bailey: Clybourne Park is such a wonderful piece of writing. The play is full bodied. The characters too. It’s enjoyable both to read and watch. It feels like two plays to me, which each pack a punch. I love that Bruce carries on the conversation Lorraine Hansberry started in 1959, with A Raisin in the Sun.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Bailey: I play Francine in the first Act, which is set in 1959. She is housemaid to Bev and Russ, and wife to Albert.
In the second Act, I play Lena, who has a strong emotional connection to the house we find them in.
What do feel will be most challenging in playing your character?
Bailey: That’s a tough question. I feel that both the play and characters are huge. Complex and layered. Flawed.
I’m currently building my characters, and the challenges come from interrogating issues that are sensitive. Some familiar.
Other than your own character, what other character do you enjoy and why?
Bailey: I really love Bev. Her resilience. The heart. Her pain. Her strength. I mean, she’s problematic. They all are. She reminds me of some great women I know. You’ll know what I mean when you see the play.
What are you most looking forward to about performing in this play?
Bailey: The play is an ensemble piece. It’s a perfect puzzle. Going out there, and keeping the ball in the air, will be a challenge every night. I’m really looking forward to that!
What do you think an audience will enjoy about the production?
Bailey: The characters they meet. The story is a great one. This play allows the audience to participate in the conversation, which I think will naturally happen once the metaphorical curtain goes down.
Written by Bruce Norris and directed by Oliver Kaderbhai, Clybourne Park is at Park Theatre from 25th of March.
