We sat down for a chat with actor turned writer/director, Tiwalade Ibirogba-Olulode ahead of the opening of her play RUSH. We talked about the creative process, the difference in roles and tackling mental health.
Hello Tiwalade, as an actor turned writer, what was it that made you want to take the leap into playwriting?
I honestly didn’t see it as me transforming or becoming a playwright, I just knew that there was a story I had to tell and I have told stories for as long as I can remember. I prefer to say that I’m an artist; acting, writing, dancing and singing are all my passions. I couldn’t identity as one. That wouldn’t be true to me, Tiwalade.
How do you feel that your acting experience informs your writing? Any elements you’ve wanted to include? Or any pet peeves you’ve wanted to avoid?
Being an actor has helped me shape the text tremendously. I always write for it to be performed. So after I finish writing a page or two, I’ll get up and act out the characters. If the words move me, I know it’s real. If not, I’ll scrap it. Then the second stage is getting the actors to read it out and seeing if they are moved too. It can be a long process of trial and error but it’s worth it in the end.
Also, directing RUSH has been a bonus because I am able to shape what was in my mind when I wrote it. I am lucky to be working with a talented group of actors and team, they are making my dream come true.
How do you begin to tell a story? Do you start with characters, a topic or a situation?
I was originally inspired by this idea shortly after I was diagnosed with anxiety. From the age of 16 I started to have panic attacks, I didn’t understand what it was, so I kept quiet about it, until 21 when I got a really bad attack on the Subway in New York and thought I was going to die, I was alone. It was only then I spoke up about it, found out what I’d been suffering with for years. It was a bittersweet moment as I now knew what I was dealing with, but on the other hand I thought if mental illness had been spoken about more openly, I wouldn’t have felt alienated for 5 years. So I started writing, RUSH was born.
What has been your biggest surprise in the process of writing your own script?
How much I laughed! I didn’t intend on RUSH being a comedy. But I guess one can find humour in the darkest hours.
Any advice for other actors who want to get into playwriting?
I started writing RUSH 3 years ago and it still feels unfinished, but it gets to a point where you must click send!
Who has been your biggest inspiration as a writer?
Life inspires me; people and moments.
As well as writing you are also directing, how are you finding the energy to do two incredibly stressful jobs?
Surprisingly not as stressful as I imagined. But, as I say this, we’re still over 2 weeks away from opening. So I’ll probably have a different answer as the 21st comes closer.
How do you manage to maintain an outside eye within the process while you are working?
I have an Assistant Director- Sophie Franklin and my close friend/Movement Director- James Monckton who are always in the room with me, giving suggestions and honest feedback. Every audience member will have different perceptions in each scene. But, there will always be a message that I want told, so it’s great having people watch to see if that’s coming across.
Talk me through a day in the rehearsal room, how do you structure your creative process?
With this being my directorial debut, I started this rehearsal process off with what I had experienced. I had the pleasure of being in Ned Bennetts’ cast in National Youth Theatre. We spent so much of the rehearsal process playing games! It was the most fun rehearsal process I have ever done! It enabled us as actors to let go, we weren’t afraid to make bold choices and I left that experience with life long friends.
I’ve brought that same energy into my rehearsal process. And now, I feel a warmth from the whole team, we laugh a lot! Saying that, we have found a great balance between work and play.
At the end of the day. Coming into this as an actor I know exactly how it feels being on the other side. That has helped to empathise with the cast.
Having now experienced three very diverse roles in the process (as an actor, writer and director) do you have any strong leanings to a path? Or do you wish to combine your talents?
From a young age when people asked me what I wanted to do, I had a list; Actor, Singer, Dancer, Playwright… Some people saw it as a joke. But now it’s all coming to fruition! I couldn’t see myself directing until recently. I was lucky enough to work with the incredible director Anne- Louise Sarks at the Lyric Hammersmith, she sat me down and asked ‘Why not?’. Throughout the rehearsal process, she was an advocate for building women up. That was a pivotal moment in my life!
I’m part of a very hardworking and creative generation. My friends inspire me everyday! The industry is evolving and changing so rapidly, as an artist it is imperative that you adapt. We have to wear many caps and I’m enjoying that. Don’t get me wrong, it’s tough! You’re having to learn a lot, but it’s fun if you’re investing in projects that you really care about.
So to answer your question, I see myself as an all round artist, I still have so much to learn but I sure am enjoying the ride!
RUSH opens Tuesday 21st of August until Saturday 25th.
7:30pm
£12/£10