Hailed by critics as "astoundingly smart and riveting", "dazzling and ruthless", and "unforgettable", the Pulitzer-prize-winning 'Fairview' invites audiences to question and process the act of watching. We spoke with the cast to find out their thoughts on the show!
Ayo Adeshina-Davies plays Jasmine in BREAD Theatre and Film and Brickhouse Theatre Company's upcoming production of Jackie Sibblies Drury's 'Fairview'. They say that "Fairview is a theatrical lightning rod. It’s a play primarily concerned with the foremost, yet most overlooked, issues within the theatre, film and music industries." They are "super excited" to show off their hard work in the rehearsal room.
Eyoel Abebaw-Mesfin plays the character Dayton. When asked to describe their character in three words they said "flirtatious, misunderstood and borderline-scared-of-his-wife". They say they have "never seen a play like it" and that audiences will leave "entertained and discombobulated at the same time". They have spent the last year primarily focused on writing and directing so are looking forward to getting back on stage. In rehearsals, they say they have "been stretched and tested as an actor working alongside so many talented creatives, which is something every actor, especially me, values in rehearsals. The accent has also slowly come - large up my people who thought it wouldn’t."
"Challenging your perception is necessary to ensure that you’re aware of the world you live in, and Fairview does that exceptionally" says Kayden Best who plays Beverly. They are excited to "to see it all come together and to see the ending for the first time because just reading it in the script was powerful so I’m sure the physicalisation of it will be even better!"
Mei Alozie plays the "curious, young and sharp" Keisha. She says that Fairview "has so many layers to it: laughter, joy and moments that will chill! Rehearsals have been great. I love that as an actor with every show you are constantly learning things, and this has definitely been a play where I have learnt a lot!"
"Fairview shakes the spectator relationship in a way that other plays are afraid to. In a realm of art dominated by white minds and white voices, 'Fairview' challenges the very act of watching and is an important, poignant piece: it catches you in your passivity and urges you to reconsider how who you are shapes how you see" says NP Zinger who plays the character of Bets. When asked about the rehearsal process, they say that "rehearsals have opened up for everyone a space to discuss both the moments of jarring lightness in this heavy piece, and those much greater discussions around race and the white gaze. I’ve very much enjoyed working with this group in rehearsals and I’ve found that I’m always left with something to think about afterwards."
Jacob Benhayoun plays Jimbo. When asked why he wanted to be a part of the show, Jacob said "I thought the script was incredible and unlike anything I’ve ever read, I also want to - first and foremost - develop theatre that encourages people to think and reshape their lives in a beneficial way. Perhaps impatiently, I am very excited to see people’s reactions to this production. We've been working so hard on it and I think we are creating something entertaining and impactful. I think it will reshape people’s behaviours and perceptions of the act of observation."
Don't miss 'Fairview', running Tuesday 13 through Saturday 17 February at the ADC Theatre.