Bethan Mary-James on Wedding Band
Set in the deep south of the USA in 1918 when interracial marriage was illegal, Julia, a black seamstress, and Herman, a white baker, are defying all odds with their secret love.
They face vicious judgement not just by society but also their closest friends and family. As they finally begin to believe their dreams for a future together are possible, Herman becomes a victim of the Spanish flu. Determined to save him, Julia is faced with decisions that will change her life.
Award-winning American playwright Alice Childress’ Wedding Band is a searing and powerful masterpiece which offers a stark reflection of the reality she was writing in during the Civil Rights era. It explores themes of race and class, questioning the devastating impact of unjust laws on ordinary human lives.
This moving and emotive drama will be directed by Monique Touko following her smash-hit success School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play at the Lyric.
1. How did you find acting or did acting find you?
It came from my early years of play. I used to dress up and play make believe with my sister growing up. That developed into creative outlets and extra curriculum drama activities outside of school, along with a lot of support from our parents. I loved acting before I even knew exactly what it was.
2. What do you like about your job?
There are many aspects I like. One is learning the history and world of the characters and play. Understanding them, so we can play the situations these people find themselves in truthfully. Then bringing all of those things together to create it. I also like meeting new people.
3. Tell us about your character Mattie how do you resonate with her?
Mattie is an extremely hard working woman (mother to 8 year old Teeta), who will do everything to keep her and her family afloat. As her loving husband (October) is away at war, she is doing the best she can with what she has. She has, I think, dignity and also humility. I hope I can be like her in both. She is heavily dependent on others which can be a huge weight, but equally knows she is held by her community.
4. What do you like about the script written by Alice Childress?
I like that Alice doesn’t hold back. She is clever, inspiring, has many layers to her plays and isn’t afraid to just go there. She is brave and demands it of us too.
5. Where you familiar with her work prior to this?
I was not familiar with Alice Childress’ work before, which I was annoyed about, but I’m glad I know now and am delving into her world of works.
6. How does the story resonate with now, tell us about the themes?
The themes of the play are very present today. Community, race, love, faith, war, loneliness, belonging. The things humans have been dealing with since the beginning of time.
7. Where so we meet Mattie in the story and her relationship to the other characters?
Mattie lives in extremes and we meet her in one of them at the start of the play. She is trying to find the money her daughter has lost and doesn’t care if she wakes the neighbourhood in the process. Not because she’s mean or uncaring, but because she is at a loss and in a vulnerable, desperate situation herself.
8. What kind of stories do you like to take part in?
I like to take part in stories that challenge our society and get us to think for ourselves. That can look like many different things.
9. If you could work with anyone who would that be?
I would love to work with many people but Sandra Oh comes to mind. She is an incredible artist. I admire the choices she makes and how she moves in this industry and I know I’d have a lot to learn from her
10. Where do you call home?
Home is Cardiff, Wales. It’s where my family and my community is. When I hear that thick Cardiff accent… I’m home.
If you would like to know more about the play, and any specific themes that are
particularly upsetting to you, please call us on 020 8741 6822 or email
tickets@lyric.co.uk
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