SPRINGS SOME BIG SURPRISES
“It’s been a really exciting journey,” he says, the passion in his voice audible.
“I really love acting. And becoming other characters certainly makes you think about your own. But it’s also great to have the academic background I have.”
Is it difficult being an Asian actor in Scotland? “It was different ten years ago, and it was easier when I worked in London. “But now I’m being seen for standard parts and hopefully we will soon reach a point where we don’t have to have this diversity conversation.”
He adds; “Having said that, acting is tough. And that’s one of the reasons I got into writing.”
Taqi wants to see society represented in the world of performance. But he doesn’t believe actors of colour shouldn’t be crowbarred into period roles written for white actors.
“You want to stay true to a piece,” he says. “And you wonder if producers cast diversely in order to hit the numbers.”
The answer is writers have to write more for people of colour. Writers such as Taqi.
“Yes, and I’ve written this play,” he says with a wry grin. “But already I’ve been asked on Twitter why there are no Caucasian people in the play.”
He adds, smiling: “This is a play about Asians being married. It wouldn’t be right to cast white Scots actors just for the sake of being diverse.”
Taqi isn’t trying to make a massive statement with his play. He’s trying to open a door to a world others may not be entirely aware of.
“The couple go through their journey, and ask what they want for themselves,” he says. “And it’s a comedy. Not a judgment.”