We sat down with Vivek Nityananda, writer of I Dream of Theresa May, playing at Tara Theatre from 17 – 29 November. Get tickets here.
What was the inspiration for ‘I Dream of Theresa May’?
The play was partly inspired by my own experience immigrating to the UK under the hostile environment. It also comes from the debate about immigration in the newspaper headlines and in online comments. For me that debate often ends up being about who is allowed to be British and what is expected from you when living in this country, for immigrants and citizens alike. I’ve put a lot of that into the play but in a tongue-in-cheek way.
How does it relate to the current political situation in the UK in relation to immigration?
The hostile environment to immigration that started ten or more years ago has only intensified now. The debates about immigration are, of course, a source of anxiety and stress for immigrants. Queer immigrants feel this even more so for a variety of reasons. But these debates also shape how we see ourselves as a society, what British values are. One of the questions the play asks is how far you would go to prove your worth to the country.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the work?
First of all I hope audiences will laugh and enjoy the play. I also hope that it will make people reflect on immigrants as people rather than numbers, our values as a society and the consequences of the choices and compromises we make to become part of mainstream society. I’m hoping some of these questions especially resonate for ethnic minorities and queer people but also for any groups in society that don’t easily fit in in any way.
How does it feel to have I Dream of Theresa May performed at Tara Theatre, what is your history with the theatre?
Tara Theatre has such a range of innovative programs to support new writing. They’ve supported me from when the play was just an idea in my head, through readings, mentorship and development. Tara also has a great history of strong political theatre and some excellent plays. So it’s very thrilling to have my play performed at Tara Theatre and I’m looking forward to seeing it on stage!