Written by James Alston and directed by Imy Corner, Scarlet Sunday is a mesmerising two-hander that delves into the struggle to reconcile great works of art with the dark deeds of their creators. Can we truly separate their art from their actions? Do we become complicit in their crimes by consuming their art?
The Artiscape spoke with Camilla Aiko about her role in the play
Can you tell us about this play?
Aiko: Scarlet Sunday is a play about two women who are meeting due to the death of a famous artist. Both of them have really different views on what the idea of truth should be in art – whether it’s some intangible, revelatory experience or the literal story behind a painting.
You play Eva. Can you tell us about this character you play?
Aiko: Ava is the daughter of a now-deceased but very famous artist. She’s been unhappy for a while, is looking for a way out, and definitely sees that in Yasmin. I think she’s a necessary example of a victim who doesn’t adhere to being fragile or morally perfect, and yet she does still deserve care.
What, if any, have been the challenges for the team in putting this production together?
Aiko: We focused on trying to untangle the specificity of the interactions between Ava and Yasmin as they hide a lot of their intentions behind a veneer of politeness. We also spent a lot of time thinking about exactly the kind of person and artist Ava’s father was, as well as what happened in the years before the play. I imagine his work had a similar tone to the paintings of Francis Bacon or Yuko Tatsushima – disturbing and yet captivating at the same time. It’s a very private and focused play, and so trying to extrapolate that to the stage requires being really specific about moments of tension and suspense.
What are you looking forward to in performing in the show?
Aiko: I’m really looking forward to performing in the space itself! The sound, lighting and set are a big part of the show, especially as the narrative is literally centred around visual art. Playing in traverse adds a new dynamic, as we really feel like we are being not just watched but very closely examined. In addition to that, doing new writing is always very exciting. Everyone is really invested in the play and helping bring a script to life for the first time is a huge honour.
What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?
Aiko: I think the audience will enjoy the fact that both voices in the play do make genuinely good points on various occasions. Hopefully, the audience will be able to see themselves in both characters!
Scarlet Sunday runs from 28th February to 17th of March at Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, London.
