Comedy of Errors Remixed takes on themes of identity, immigration and displacement — issues shaping London right now. What made this the Shakespeare story you wanted to retell for 2024?
From since I have known we have been battling with racist attitudes in this country. In the last few years there seems to have been a bigger push to challenge these behaviours and things are slowly beginning to shift. Our Youth Theatre plays always tries to hold the mirror up to nature in an attempt to educate, provoke and hopefully create change for the better. We felt we could do this with the Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s play explores the issue of immigration, “the other”, something we as a nation are (unfortunately) all too familiar with. There was an opportunity to shed some light on the topic in a joyful way and remind people how better we can be if we learn to be at one with each other instead of against each other. It was an opportunity we had to seize.
Intermission Youth Theatre is known for using Shakespeare as a mirror for contemporary life. What conversations or emotions from your young cast pushed this remix in the direction it ultimately took?
In our workshops, the young people responded to Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors from their own perspective. We encouraged them to connect with their own experiences, to tell their own stories. With 40 young people, many of whom are from the African and Caribbean diaspora, recounting moments in their lives of identity struggles, feelings of isolation from Britishness and no sense of belonging. It was tough to hear this from our younger generation – they connected so well to the story.
You’ve worked with young people across London for over 15 years. How did the personal histories and lived experiences of this cohort shape the emotional truth of the production?
The work we do within Intermission Youth is always shaped by the young people. It’s always been about handing the ownership over to them and allowing them to shape the work that makes sense to their present and future. It’s the same with this production, we brought Shakespeare to their world not the other way around, we are active with the work and encourage them to find their voices in the world. It’s the only way to bring today’s truth to this classical work – in my opinion.
This year’s show marks a milestone — your graduate Stephanie Badaru stepping into the director’s seat. What does it mean to see former IY members taking ownership of the creative process?
It means everything – it gives me confidence that this work will be here for many more years – beyond me – continuing to shape the future for our young people, changing lives for the better.
Language becomes a central device in the production, with the twins speaking Shakespearean and their London counterparts speaking Street. How did you approach using language to explore belonging and exclusion?
Language is a big part of identity. Here in London, we are blessed to have many different languages spoken. Take a trip on the London Underground and listen – you will hear a concoction of sounds, it’s beautiful. There’s a line in our play “just because you don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it makes no sense”. This extends beyond just words – if we learn this we will go some way to being better at being together.
Immigration and identity are politically charged topics. How do you balance comedy and social commentary without diluting either?
It’s hard – but I think we have achieved it – the best way I can describe it is that the laughter allows me (as a writer) to slip in the social commentary without it feeling too heavy.
Intermission Youth is as much a social initiative-as it is a theatre company. How does a production like Comedy of Errors Remixed contribute to your wider mission of supporting young people’s mental health, confidence and sense of place?
Really great question!
This work is about empowering young people and helping them to become the best versions of themselves. The process is more important than anything else. On this journey to self-discovery, our young people have had access to amazing mentors, therapists and community. All this support has helped them in areas of their lives in which they have previously struggled, including confidence, mental health and given them a strong sense of belonging, identity and renewed purpose. It’s one thing hearing it from me, but if you come along to see the work, you will witness it for yourself. It’s incredible.
Looking ahead, what stories or themes do you feel most urgent to explore next — and how do you see IY’s work evolving as London continues to change?
Mental Health!