Alumni Stories - Bayra Bela on 'The Mongol Khan'
Bayra Bela talks with us about her transformative journey, from studying on Central’s MA Acting for Screen course to producing the culturally rich The Mongol Khan, running at London Coliseum theatre from 17 November to 2 December.
Can you tell us about The Mongol Khan production, and how you came to be co-producer for it?
The Mongol Khan is a fictional production set 2,000 years ago, at the inception of the Hunnic Empire, in the heart of Central Asia. The plot of this production is as gripping as it is brutal, revolving around Archug Khan and his wives. An intriguing twist unfolds as the Queen finds herself pregnant despite two decades of no sexual interaction with her husband. Simultaneously, the story reveals that two princes are born at the same time, a revelation that points to a betrayal within the palace. It turns out that the wife had an affair with Chancellor Egereg, the Khan’s assistant, leading to a horrifying plan to switch the babies and setting the stage for a tumultuous succession battle that threatens the very core of the empire. Thematically, The Mongol Khan encompasses all the elements you’d expect from a Shakespearean tragedy: power struggles, tragedy, violence, love, greed, deceit, and betrayal. Our production is scheduled to grace the stage of London Coliseum from November 17 to December 2 for a limited run.
My journey as a co-producer for The Mongol Khan began immediately after my graduation from Central. I had just wrapped up my work on the Amazon series The Power, and I found myself in Mongolia to attend the premiere of one of my earlier film projects. During this visit, I had the privilege of watching a play titled The State without a Seal at the Mongolian National Drama Theatre. The play left an indelible mark on me, and I was particularly captivated by the exceptional work of director Hero Baatar, who is renowned as one of the best directors in Mongolia. Fate intervened as director and I crossed paths backstage, and we immediately shared our mutual enthusiasm for the idea of taking this remarkable play to international audiences. When I returned to London, I joined forces with my co-producer, Unurmaa Janchiv, and together, we embarked on the journey to adapt and transform this play into a West End version, which is now The Mongol Khan.
Can you share some insights into the cultural and historical significance of The Mongol Khan, and why you felt it was important to bring this story to the stage?
The Mongol Khan brings to life a pivotal period in history, taking us back to the Hunnu Empire, which represents one of the most golden eras of Central Asian history. This era is teeming with rich cultural and historical value, and the production allows us to delve deep into this fascinating epoch. It also offers us valuable insights into the philosophy of what it takes to be a great leader, a theme that remains highly relevant even today. In The Mongol Khan, we can draw parallels between the challenges and decisions faced by leaders in the past and those we encounter in the contemporary world. This production is not just a window into ancient times, but a mirror reflecting timeless lessons on leadership, power, and the enduring human spirit. Bringing this story to the stage is of paramount importance as it allows us to connect with our roots, learn and celebrate the cultural treasures of Central Asia.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
I hope that our audiences will experience something truly unique and unforgettable when they watch the show. The Mongol Khan is a grand spectacle with 100 performers on stage, all dancing, breathing, and channeling their emotions. It’s a living, breathing production that is unlike anything London has ever seen before. My greatest wish is for the audience to fully immerse themselves in the play, and embark on a journey through time into the heart of Central Asia, 2000 years ago. I want them to feel the passion, the energy, and the cultural richness of the performance. I hope they take away a sense of awe, a newfound appreciation for the Mongolian heritage, and the feeling of having witnessed something truly extraordinary. The Mongol Khan is more than a play; it’s a chance to time travel into such a unique world of history, art, and emotion.
What specific lessons or experiences from your time at the school have been particularly valuable in your journey as a producer?
My time at Central provided a rich learning environment, where I gained certain lessons and experiences that have had a lasting impact on my career. It provided a network of fellow students, instructors, and industry professionals. These connections have been instrumental in my career development. Networking opportunities and mentorship relationships formed during my time at the school continue to provide guidance and support in my journey as a producer. Even though I studied Screen Acting at Central, I studied in one of the most challenging times during COVID and we had to make a short film in midst of the extreme limitations of pandemic. Theatre often presents unexpected challenges, and Central taught me the art of creative problem-solving. I had the opportunity to tackle production-related issues, logistical hiccups during my course works. These experiences honed my ability to think on my feet and find solutions under pressure.
Could you share some of the highlights and memorable moments from your journey of bringing this play to life?
One of the most special memory of this journey has been the opportunity to invite my teachers from Central, who were instrumental in my own education, to Mongolia to collaborate on this production. Their presence and expertise were invaluable, and they played a significant role in training my actors to bring out the best in their performances. Amidst our busy schedules, there was one particularly beautiful day that stands out. I had the privilege of taking my teacher, Amanda, to the picturesque countryside of Mongolia. We shared an incredible experience as we rode horses together across Mongolian steppe. The collaboration with my teachers and the shared experiences, both within the rehearsal room and in the heart of Mongolia’s landscape, have left an indelible sweet memory of bringing The Mongol Khan to life. These are just a few of the many highlights and memorable moments that have made this journey an extraordinary one, filled with personal connections and the shared love for the arts.
What advice would you give to those looking to follow in your footsteps and produce meaningful theatre productions?
Producing a theatre production is a rewarding yet very challenging endeavour. First and foremost, be deeply passionate about the stories you want to tell through theatre. Theatre is a collaborative art form. Besides having a creative vision, hire a good technical director who can help you to get better good technical knowledge. Producing theatre is challenging, and setbacks are part of the journey. Be resilient, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward. Every experience contributes to your growth as a producer.
Can you tell us more about the collaborative aspects of producing a play and the team you’ve worked with to bring The Mongol Khan to the stage?
Collaboration is at the heart of producing a play. This production would not have been possible without the dedicated and talented team I’ve had the privilege of working with. Our creative team, including writers, choreographers, and designers, brought their unique expertise to the table, enriching the narrative and visual elements of the production. The cast of The Mongol Khan is a talented group of Mongolian leading actors who have poured their hearts and souls into their roles. Their dedication to embodying the characters and conveying the essence of the story has been remarkable. Behind the scenes, we’ve had a dedicated production and technical crew that has worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the play runs smoothly, from set design to sound and lighting. Their attention to detail and technical expertise has been invaluable.
I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my teachers of Central, Amanda Brennan and Armen Gregory, who have been an unwavering source of support throughout this journey. They traveled to Mongolia multiple times to train my actors, sharing their guidance. Their mentorship has been instrumental in the development of our production. The collaborative process has been a constant exchange of ideas, a coming together of different perspectives, and a shared commitment to the vision of The Mongol Khan. Through this collaborative effort with more than 200 people, we’ve been able to bring to life a play that’s not only entertaining but also a celebration of history and culture.
In what ways does The Mongol Khan reflect your personal artistic vision and passion for storytelling?
The Mongol Khan is a deeply personal project for me. I believe in the power of theatre to shed light on hidden gems of history and culture, and this production aligns with my artistic vision to unearth and share these stories. It also resonates with my passion for cultural diversity and the celebration of heritage. The play serves as a platform to showcase the rich culture, traditions, and history of Mongolia and the Central Asian region. It’s a testament to my belief in the universal appeal of stories that transcend borders and offer a window into cultures and societies that may be unfamiliar to many. My passion for storytelling is also reflected in the narrative itself. The Mongol Khan is a captivating story with well-defined characters, deep emotions, and universal themes. It’s a tale of leadership, ambition, and the enduring human spirit. These elements align with my belief in the power of storytelling to touch hearts, provoke thought, and inspire change.
Book tickets by visiting London Coliseum’s website, or visit the production’s official website. Follow the show on social media on @themongolkhan (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok)
