Following its sold out opening, YEN by Anna Jordan, presented by New Ghosts Theatre Company and Bakehouse Theatre Co, has received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and design.
We sat down with Hayley Pearl, one of the production’s cast members to discuss her role, the play and its importance in the current political landscape.
Tell us a bit about your character Maggie in YEN?
Maggie is complex, suffering from generational neglect and abuse, and she unconsciously inflicts the same on her own children. She’s like a wild animal caught in a trap, fragile and broken, at the same time defensive and aggressively protective. She is consumed with her own pain and a desperate need to be loved.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this role?
“Things need to change, our focus needs to be on providing better support within our communities. It takes a village to raise a child. Providing education and support to those that are in need should always be a priority.
Having witnessed the effects of abuse and addiction in my own family, it has been incredibly challenging to see Maggie with an empathetic eye. In order to give her heart I had to have a compassionate view of her situation. It was demanding but ultimately very cathartic.
How does this play fit in the current political landscape?
Things need to change, our focus needs to be on providing better support within our communities. It takes a village to raise a child. Providing education and support to those that are in need should always be a priority.
What message do you hope audiences will walk away with?
Abuse, neglect, addiction these things are not restricted to certain demographics, they can impact us all. It’s important that we provide programs to help and assist without judgement. How do we change the situation? By giving those that need it a voice, providing safe and supportive space to all.
The matinee performance is followed by a panel discussion with Associate Professor Rita Shackel, tell us a bit about this.
We decided that we would like to do a performance where proceeds go to Blue Knot Foundation. We’ll be taking audience questions and we will have Rita Shackel who is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney there to discuss the delicate issues from the play. She is a graduate of law, psychology, science, and education. Following the matinee the cast and director Lucy Clements will sit down with Rita and discuss the themes of the play, and the affects and needs of victims and survivors of sexual violence and trauma, as well as children and young people’s interaction with the law.
Who is the one person (dead or alive), you would like/would have like to work with?
Wes Anderson
Who has inspired you the most personally or professionally?
My grandma Mavis, always showing me that you’re never too old to try something new.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given?
A casting director once said to me “What other people think of you is none of your business.” It is something I go by personally and professionally. You can’t please everyone so just get on with your job and live your life
If you could send a tweet that would reach the entire world, what would it say?
Laughter always makes it better.
Finally, why should people come and see YEN?
Because it is a story that needs to be heard.
YEN closes this Saturday 13th October. Tickets at newghoststheatre.com Don’t miss out!
Yen
Anna Jordan
27 Sep – 13 Oct 2018
Tue – Sat 7:30pn
Sun 5pm
Venue: King Cross Theatre [KXT]
Theatre Company: New Ghosts Theatre Company
Duration: N/A
