Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Monique Touko, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play runs from 08 Jun – 15 Jul 2023 at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith in London.
It’s 1986 at Ghana’s prestigious Aburi Girls Boarding School.
Queen Bee Paulina and her crew excitedly await the arrival of the Miss Ghana pageant recruiter. It’s clear that Paulina is in top position to take the title until her place is threatened by Ericka – a beautiful and talented new transfer student. As the friendship group’s status quo is upended, who will be chosen for Miss Ghana and at what cost?
The Artiscape talked to Deborah Alli about her role as Eloise Amponsah in the play.
What about the script appealed to you?
Alli: My first reading of School Girls was an emotional rollercoaster. I went from laughing out loud on each page turn to moments of “OMG she didn’t!” It is set in 1986 Ghana, yet Jocelyn’s writing transcends time and continents. I felt like I was reading a flash back to my own childhood. I had those thoughts, I fought those battles – to finally be comfortable and proud of the skin I’m in. I know younger Deborah really needed to see this play: to know what I know now.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Alli: I play Eloise Amponsah, the former Miss Ghana 1966. Putting the “B” in bougie. 20 years later, she has become a recruiter for the Miss Ghana Pageant, and yet she is still fighting to win.
What are the challenges in playing this character?
Alli: One of the challenges I found was the first time we got into a scene where Eloise delivers a savage verdict during the play; it goes against anything I would do, and I was completely moved by the other actors in the scene that we were receiving it. I was literally fighting back tears whilst being the ultimate villain.
What would you like an audience to take away from this play?
Alli: I would love the audience to feel like they’ve really stepped into the world of Aburi, Ghana. For black girls to feel seen and for women in general to feel heard. But to also have fun, laugh out loud and catch a vibe!
What are you looking forward to in performing in the play?
Alli: I can’t wait to shut down the Lyric every night with this incredible cast! I’ve been so blessed to get to work with these amazing women, and make such beautiful discoveries in the rehearsal room. The process has been filled with so much joy, fun, tears, lolage, and gorgeous MELANIN! So to continue to PLAY on stage each night is so exciting.
Bursting with hilarity and joy, this award-winning comedy explores the universal similarities (and glaring differences) facing teenage girls around the world.
It runs from 08 Jun – 15 Jul 2023 at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith in London.
