Today we are speaking with Aleeza Humranwala , a current student on the Acting - Contemporary, MA course about her work on Galápagos.
Tell us a bit about this production
Galápagos, is a newly commissioned work from Kyo Choi (Arcola Theatre, Soho Theatre, National Theatre Studio attachment), a South Korean playwright.
MA Acting Contemporary students will present the world-premiere production of Galápagos at London’s Bridewell Theatre from 3-5 March.
How was Galápagos chosen?
Galápagos is the tenth in a series of annual commissions for Central’s MA Acting Contemporary course that aims to enable rising and leading female and non-binary playwrights to write ambitious large cast plays, with the freedom to explore social, political and artistic ideas.
The aim of the commission is to enable playwrights to explore material and/or experiment with form with a large cast available for development work.
Did you get to work with Kyo Choi?
We got to work with Kyo from the very beginning of the writing process, which was a first for many of us. The period of Research & Development was really interesting and helped both Kyo and us understand what kind of play we wanted to create.
What role(s) do you play in this production?
I play Girl 1 in scenes ‘Gone Girl’, ‘Sleep Paralysis’ and ‘A Day Unlived’ and Atalanta in ‘Loser Island’.
How do the roles differ?
Girl 1 the protagonist in Galapagos, considered to be a ‘swot’ by friends and family, is poles apart from Atalanta - the ‘Goddess’ in ‘Loser Island’.
Girl 1 is vulnerable, resilient and wholesome as opposed to Atalanta - who is immensely self-assured, assertive and alluring. I’m looking forward to having a real journey for Girl 1’s character which will be interesting to watch since we’re multi-roling.
Atalanta has been an absolute joy to play. Self-assured but not self-aware, she loves being the centre of attention and enjoys making a scene.
Can you tell us about the plot?
When a young girl reports her sexual assault by a fellow student to her school, this sets off a chain of fantastical events that lead her further and further away from the path of justice. Galápagos seeks to challenge systemic failures to protect young people from sexual violence by boldly disrupting time and form.
What has surprised you most about your experience?
The most surprising thing about this particular production was realizing what an incredibly varied bunch our cohort is. Each person brings something so unique and special to the table. It’s made us all be on our A game through rehearsals.
How did you find out about Central and decide to study with us?
I found out about Central through the internet when I was researching Drama schools in the UK. It was one of my top choices.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
As an international student, I plan on applying for a visa that will permit me to work in the UK post graduation. I would also like to sign with an agency and start making my way into the industry.
You can find out more about our Acting - Contemporary, MA course by following them in Instagram @CSSDMAContemporary.
You can book tickets to attend Galápagos from 3-5 March, at the Bridewell Theatre, London EC4Y 8EQ.
