Staged response
Actor Moyo Akandé on Scottish theatre’s Covid fightback with digital project Scenes for Survival
What is your Scene about?
My Scene, The Present, explores a young woman’s life in solitude during the lockdown. She offers a tender poetic lament to an absent loved one and imagines a time when they can be together again. Stef ’s piece is beautiful and full of nostalgia.
What is it like performing in isolation?
A unique and challenging experience that couldn’t have come along at a better time as most work opportunities have come to a complete standstill.
The best part was that even in isolation, it was possible to creatively collaborate with an exceptional team of women and bring a piece of work to life without physically being in the same room. What made the experience even more enjoyable was the challenge of capturing Stef ’s piece through the medium of film. Filmmaking is an area I’m passionate about and currently involved in, so myself and Katherine dived straight in and loved every minute of working together in this unique way.
What are the constraints of performing in lockdown?
In the filmmaking industry there are a lot of moving parts. In order to execute and complete a scene on set, a crew is required – director, assistant director, cinematographer, camera operator, boom operator/ sound mixer, focus puller, gaffer, key grip, and hair/make-up. Without any of these it becomes challenging to produce film. But I feel as a creative we strive when we have limited resources and our imagination helps us to overcome constraints. I was not only the performer, but managed to fill the role of the important moving parts that make film possible, despite the technical difficulties.
Have you done your own make-up and costumes, or had help from your household?
I didn’t have any major help but with framing scenes there was one overhead shot that was very tricky on my own. I designed my set, framed the camera shots Katherine had set out, set up the lighting, made sure my mic was always on and working at the right level, did my own make-up and hair, and sourced my costume from my clothes, all while trying to remember the lines!
How has the lockdown affected your other work?
I was performing in the play, The Special Relationship at The Soho Theatre in London, when the lockdown was announced and led to it being forced to close a week early. It was very sudden and came as a huge anti-climax.
Overall film, television and the theatre industries have all been badly affected. The future feels uncertain for everyone in the arts, however, I think we can reflect on this experience and work together to make engaging content that helps everyone affected.
How has lockdown changed your life?
Lockdown has made me live in the present. I can sometimes catch myself focusing on the future which really isn’t helpful. This situation is out of my control, so I’m learning to fully embrace the unknown and take stock of what’s really important; family, friends and good health. I’m trying to enjoy the small and simple things in life we sometimes take for granted.
Are there any changes you will take forward?
I’m going to slow down a little and spend more time just being still. I was always on the go and maybe giving too much of my attention to certain aspects of my life that now don’t really matter. It’s been a nice reflective period. So I’m embracing enjoying my own company and being creative in different ways.
How do you think the arts and entertainment industry will change?
It’s already changing dramatically. Many established theatres have gone into administration and will continue to do so due to social distancing measures. Of course we need to protect the public, our health comes first and the NHS workers on the frontline have gone above and beyond to protect the nation. This means everyone will have to work through this situation for the greater good.
This has led to thinking outside the box, to experiment, plan, and perform in alternative ways, such as the NTS’S Scenes for Survival.
Even in isolation theatre still brings people together, which is a beautiful thing. It’s great that we can continue to entertain audiences and deliver messages of solidarity and hope.
How will coronavirus change the way we write/act/view performance?
Many theatre productions are streaming past works or recent productions that closed early. Online streaming could be a way forward for viewing performances if it proves profitable.
Writers live pretty solitary lives anyway, but the great thing is, we now have more time to create and still have work commissioned. I think now is the age of the writer.
What’s the last thing you laughed at?
The Government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
What’s your best tip for staying sane?
Take each day as it comes. Remind yourself of the wonderful things in your life. We are social by nature so it’s important to have someone to talk to; a neighbour, customer in the shopping queue, obviously two metres apart, to ease boredom and social anxiety. Nobody anticipated 2020 would turn out like this. Things really can’t get any worse, only better. I do believe the days will get brighter soon.
What have you been watching, reading, and listening to in lockdown?
I’ve been binge watching season two of Succession starring our very own Brian Cox. It’s an American satirical-comedy drama that is superbly written. Brian gives a stellar performance and I’m hooked.
I’m halfway through Michelle Obama’s autobiography Becoming, a powerful and inspiring memoir that explores how she steadily defied expectations to become the incredible woman she is.
Finally, why should we watch Scenes for Survival?
Because it will help draw attention to the enduring and urgent role of storytelling.
It will also raise money for artists and theatre workers hardest hit. All the content will be free and it’s an entertaining way to bring everyone together. ■
Scenes for Survival including The Present can be watched on www.bbc.co.uk/scenesforsurvival and www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/scenesforsurvival. Venus As A Boy and The Domestic will be available this week