Written and performed by BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy, Failure Project is a “Comedy drama… Or “dramedy” about Ade. Ade is a successful writer, or so it seems. She has everything she has ever wanted; her career is flying, she’s (kinda) moved out of her mums house, her situationship isn’t as complicated as she expected. Life is perfect?! But things don’t always go how you plan, and Ade is about to find that out?
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind “Failure Project” and what motivated you to create a show about the pressures of success and failure as a working-class writer?
I wanted to peel back the layers of what it means to be a writer seemingly at the height of their career. I wrote this play a few months ago – and it seems that the themes and reality of what it means to work in the industry is very topical … Twitter is lined with artists discussing this. People have said “you’re play is very timely”. So I feel very honoured to be writing a play that I hope resonates with people.
In terms of development it has very much been me working on the script, I have the support of amazing collaborators Jules Haworth and Joseph Barnes-Phillips who have been great sounding boards, supporters and collaborators. Joseph is also the co-director of the show.
Im also blessed to be partnering with Black Minds Matter through this process because this show has themes that mentions mental health- and I want to make sure that I sign post those experiencing the show to places like Black Minds Matter who have great support.
How do you explore the themes of mental health and failure in your show, and why do you think these themes will resonate with the audience?
Without giving too much away within failure project, I explore the effects of what it means to always constantly be on the go.This is something that many artists do and at many times their mental health is be challenged. Through the character of Ade we see this happening throughout the hour play.
If I’m honest this has been the most candidly I’ve written something and I’m hoping that through sharing the story of Ade it will help many people who do experience what the character goes through to feel “seen”. And making people feel seen, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds it helps to start a conversation. Through starting this conversation, we can then start making long lasting changes.
The journey that Ade faces through the play flitters between work and life…. she goes on a personal journey (and trying to find herself)…. She also goes through a professional one which shines a light on what it feels like to constantly be in the spotlight and not have a chance just to be herself.
Writing this I have also made sure that I have spoken with mental health charities (black mind matters) to find ways to be able to provide support, care and a chance to signpost a place that anyone who is affected by the issues within the show can go to. The character of Ade goes through a journey that I know will be relatable to many people. Through sharing the script I’ve had feedback from people who have said that they deeply resonate with the story even if they aren’t a writer they know what it feels like to feel the pressures to succeed and I hope that I can start a conversation around this further.
What message or takeaway do you hope the audience will gain from watching “Failure Project”?
Through seeing failure project, I want audience to fail that they are not alone. Their story isn’t something that they should be ashamed of for something that should be a chance for them to seek their help that they need. I want to this show to be a beacon of hope and shine a light on supporting artists.
Can you share any personal experiences or stories that influenced the development of the show’s narrative?
The show has been described as a piece that is very much talking about the realities of being in the industry. The character of Ade has a lot of highs and some lows which feels very relatable especially as an artist …. It is legitimately a rollercoaster ride. I can’t lie I love being an artist but I also am very aware that it can be very challenging on your well-being and mental health, especially when Arts cut Arts funding is constantly being talked about being cut. So making the show I have actually experienced the journey of having to do a show without any funding support. It has been a journey that I have taken on because I felt the need to tell the story now. It feels like a very timely piece especially as there are all conversations about working class having to leave the industry because of lack of support.
I hope by sharing the show it will also be a lifeline for myself to share a piece that I’m really passionate about.
What do you believe makes “Failure Project” unique compared to other performances addressing similar themes?
I’ve been told that the themes within the show are very relatable and that many people haven’t had a chance to share their story in this way. It feels really humbling to receive feedback that is so positive especially as people have said that they are glad that someone is finally talking about the realities of what it’s like to be an artist.
Summerhall, 1-26th August. Check it out here.