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Treading The Bard: An Interview With Kenya Bowry
9th February 2022
Ahead of opening night for Macbeth at Leeds Playhouse, RJC Dance Youth Provision member Kenya Bowry shares her perspective on what it's like to 'tread the boards' on such a big stage and act in a play by William 'The Bard' Shakespeare at such a young age.
How are you feeling, ahead of opening night?
Ahead of opening night, I am feeling quite nervous but also really excited to be part of the cast of Macbeth and perform on the Leeds Playhouse stage.
How are rehearsals going?
The rehearsals are going really well so far, it’s nice working with the cast, they are also lovely. I think the other actors are really nice and full of personality and we’ll all have a great time working with each other.
How would you describe the play to a friend?
I would describe the play as gruesome to a friend.
What is Fleance like?
Fleance is a 10-year-old boy who is very shy at times but tries his best to be brave in situations.
What is your favourite line?
My favourite line would probably have to be when Bankwell says “It will be rain tonight, Fleance" then the murderer replies “Let it come down” which I think is quite funny.
What is your costume like?
The costume is actually very comfortable and I think it’s fun seeing what people would wear in those times at the moment. I don’t think Fleance has any costume changes and I may well be wearing the same thing throughout the show.
What made you decide to audition?
What made me decide to audition was the chance of getting to experience something like I had in the Wizard of Oz again. I also wanted to see how they could bring Macbeth to life on this stage.
What was the audition like?
In all honesty the audition was actually really fun. It wasn’t like a solo audition where they bring you into a room and ask you say lines. It was a workshop style, so we played lots of games to see how we would perform a death or a certain line. We had an overview of what the play actually was about and then all they asked us to do, was to have fun.
What acting have you done before?
Previously I was in a production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Leeds Playhouse in 2019 where I was part of the youth ensemble where I did singing dancing and acting.
What do you enjoy about acting?
I think being an actress depends on how you cope with work and how very disciplined you have to be with yourself, like you can’t laugh in serious situations or let your nerves get the better of you. There is not anything that I particularly dislike, but I would say, it’s a huge commitment and you have to make sure that it is something that you really want to do because you have to give a lot of time and days out of the week.
Have you tried RJC Dance Youth Theatre? If so, how has that helped?
Yes, I was a member of RJC Playhouse Youth Theatre, just after I had finished the Wizard of Oz and now because one of the adult staff who worked with me, suggested that I should come and try it out. I had been going to Youth Theatre since the start of 2020 and I think that this has helped a lot with my performance skills.
How have you been involved with RJC Dance? When did you start, and which sessions do you go to? How have they helped prepare you for Macbeth?
I have been involved with RJC Dance Youth Provision for six years, I started when I was seven years old, I am now 13 years old I attend RJC Dance sessions. I go to RJC Dance Youth Provision once a week. RJC Dance sessions have helped prepare me for Macbeth because we perform at events and in professional theatres, so that helps me get used to being on stage in front of a large audience.