Interview: Actor Yaamin Chowdhury on THE BONE SPARROW

Ahead of its opening in York later on this month, we spoke to Yaamin Chowdhury about playing Subhi in the forthcoming stage adaptation of The Bone Sparrow, based on Zana Fraillon’s beautiful, vivid, disturbing and deeply moving story about a Rohingya refugee boy who has spent his entire life living in a detention centre in Australia.

For those who may not have heard of The Bone Sparrow, what is the play about?

The Bone Sparrow follows the story of a young Rohinggyan refugee called Subhi, who was born in an Australian permanent detention centre. Subhi’s hunger for stories gives him the impetus to explore everything there is to explore behind the fences, which is very limited. 

Eventually, Subhi encounters a scruffy and impatient girl on the other side of the fence called Jimmie - who relies on Subhi to read the book her mother left behind as she is unable to do so. This not only widens Subhi’s perspective on life outside of the fences, but also reveals how closely they can relate to one another whilst being worlds apart. 

We witness Subhi’s maturation along this journey which gives him the courage to one day tell his version of the story out of his own volition.

How are the ideas that the play addresses relevant to us living in the UK?

This has absolutely everything to do with us, irrespective of our geographic location. This play addresses the injustice and humanitarian issues that occur in the most overlooked places in the world. Australian detention centres have been a blueprint for other countries wishing to adopt a similar approach - including the UK. Without getting into the politics - humanity is one body, if one of us hurt, we all hurt. 

What do you hope the impact of this play will be? How has being part of this show challenged your views and perceptions?

I believe theatre in general is done right when an audience member leaves the theatre space changed in some way from when they entered. This could be something as small as calling a family member and telling them they love them, or something as big as setting up an organisation dedicated to supporting refugees or a disenfranchised group of people? 

Being a part of this show has definitely educated me on the mistreatment of refugees across the world, but has also shed light on the Rohinggyan crisis which has had minimal coverage on news platforms. Which exposed how much I rely on the media for information, when there are multiple avenues and accounts that can be used to gain insightful and necessary information. 

The Bone Sparrow was originally a novel. Can you tell us what the process has been like taking the page to stage?

As an actor in this play, I had made the conscious decision to not read the novel as I wanted to approach the play with a fresh perspective and in its entirety in order to capture the essence of Subhi in the play version. However, from what I’ve heard from cast members who have read the novel, the play is not too dissimilar and still upholds the major themes from the novel. Which is a testament to our incredible and award winning playwright S. Shakthidharan.

What is it like to be part of a play with such a diverse cast and creative team?

It’s amazing, it’s familiar, it’s a laugh and it’s a cry, but above all, it’s important. Diversity and representation has always been topical when it comes to the industry and will continue to change and reshape for as long as we continue to make. 

We'll soon see you in TV series' for Sky and AppleTV. How does working on stage differ from working for screen? Does one help you with the other in some way?

We all know the fundamental differences between working on stage and in film, but based on my experiences, working on stage brings out the true performer in you. It allows you to tell a story seamlessly without a “cut” or a do-over. To do theatre, an ensemble needs to adopt a shark mentality - keep swimming. Mistakes are your best friend. I have had little experience in film compared to my theatre making background; however, it is that love for visceral storytelling that has been further instilled in me through theatre which facilitates my journey in the the realm of film. 

What can people expect from The Bone Sparrow and why should they come to see the show?

Without giving too much away, one should expect to be transported to the outback. Expect to see sand, sweat, love and hardship. The Bone Sparrow tackles themes like no other. It’s the first of its kind and hopefully not the last. It’s full of beautiful story telling through family bonds and cultural songs. I urge everyone to come and  watch this play as it is of paramount importance, highlighting issues that are more than just a story - it’s real life. 

The Bone Sparrow opens at York Theatre Royal from 25 Feb - 5 March and then tours till 23 April. Tickets are available here.