Interview: Actor Joseph Black on SESSIONS by Ifeyinwa Frederick

Photo credit: The Other Richard

Interrogating the challenge of opening up and accepting our own vulnerabilities, Sessions by Ifeyinwa Frederick is a raw, funny, bittersweet deep-dive into the complexities of masculinity, depression and therapy, currently playing at the Soho Theatre.

We spoke to Joseph Black who stars in this one-man play about the subject matter and creative process of the show.

Tell us about Sessions.

Sessions is about a young man called Tunde on his 30th birthday, looking back at his first experiences of therapy.

At the time of this interview, you are in the midst of your UK tour. How have audiences received the play thus far?

The tour was intense but amazing. It was really remarkable to see how many different demographics of people related to the piece. Ages ranging from 14 – 80+, different socio-economic backgrounds, races etc; the conversations afterwards have been amazing to have, to listen to and to read! So many people have engaged with me on my social media (Insta: @JosephBlackCanAct) about their experiences and I appreciate them all. I think it comes down to the play talking about expectations, relationships – family, friends, etc – discomfort and coping mechanisms. We all have them, we’re human.

Did you get to work closely with writer Ifeyinwa Frederick on this piece, as well as director Philip Morris?

Oh yeah. Philip brought together an amazing team. The lengthy discussions we’ve all had, the stories, the joy, the play, the work – it’s been very collaborative. On the other hand, there was a large element of trust. We all came with it as individuals too and, to their credit, in many ways they really trusted me. I was lucky to be able to work with Ifey a lot more than I’m usually given with writers. With many of the other creatives also. It was a solid team. 

Can you relate to your character, Tunde?

Absolutely. Not too different in age, my thoughts of what that number is supposed to mean, and we look pretty similar… But in all seriousness, being a 6’3 black male dealing with levels of vulnerability, there’s an extra layer there. That being said, Tunde is a very relatable character. Especially with people I never would have guessed he was like.

Mental health has become much more talked about, and understood, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Have you had any personal experiences that you have been able to channel in your performance?

Definitely. As a one-man show, there are many moments that he spends recalling past events in a room by himself. I think we all can relate. There are more, but I don’t want to say too much about the story.

Sessions has a focus on men's mental health. Do you feel there is still a stigma surrounding men talking about their feelings?

I honestly think things are getting better, but there definitely still is. I’ve seen some point towards masculinity and the fear of judgement. To be fair, I feel many people have a strong opinion of what it means to be a man, from both sides, making being able to just “be” hard. As I’m personally learning to talk more, I’m optimistic about its future commonality but I also think having privacy and keeping your circle small is okay too. Just don’t hold it.

Do you feel a responsibility in delivering this play?

Never more so. I also feel a responsibility for men who look like me. From my experience, black men have a very strong expectation stamped on them from the jump, and how you sound or move will instantly confirm the whole picture. Tunde isn’t that simple, and none of us are.

You have had a varied career since graduating from Bristol Old Vic in 2014. What has been your favourite role so far and what is on your bucket list for the future?

I’ve been very lucky. I would be hard pressed not to say Tunde in Sessions isn’t my favourite so far. 

I started to list others in my mind and the list got very long. Classics like Shakespeare were my first love but I would love to play creatures and characters, so children’s theatre and motion capture are definitely on my list. But I look forward to more screen work. Also, as I’ve started training in combat again, an action piece would be great. 

How would you encourage people to buy a ticket for Sessions?

So far, word of mouth has been great as many people I’ve spoken to were invited by people who had seen the show weeks before. The conversations coming out of the show have been amazing. I would say here, just come. You’ll recognise a lot, learn a lot, you’ll laugh and you’ll be moved. And I’d appreciate you :)

Sessions plays at Soho Theatre until 4 December, with tickets available here.