This October, Black History Month celebrates its theme Reclaiming Narratives. We’ve reached out to Black performers and creatives in the theatre industry to share their inspirations and journeys to the stage, and this week we’re chatting to Heather Agyepong.
Heather is a British Ghanaian visual artist, performer/actor and maker who lives and works in London. Last week she was nominated for ‘Best Performance in a Play’ at the UK Theatre Awards, alongside her Shifters co-star Tosin Cole. Shifters plays at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 12 October.
Who are your inspirations?
Black women, my faith and my community of friends and family around me.
How did you get into theatre?
I’ve been obsessed with theatre since I was a kid, I even got a paper round so I could pay for drama lessons. It has very much been my passion since I can remember.
How did your family and friends support your career?
I think my parents were cautious because they knew how risky it was, but my GCSE drama teacher Mr. Lord had blind faith in me. He even came to see me in Shifters in the West End. If it wasn’t for him I absolutely wouldn’t be here. Teachers like him are everything!
Tosin Cole and Heather Agyepong in Shifters. Photo by Marc Brenner.
How does it feel to perform on the Duke of York’s Theatre stage in front of audience members who might resonate with your character?
What a gift. I mean, we can audibly hear people resonating with the work. Be it laughter or sobs, it’s a privilege to be able to capture someone’s attention and take them on a journey that might trigger stuff for them. To feel seen and held – it’s a true blessing.
This year’s Black History Month is themed around ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. Why do you think that’s an important way of approaching Black history?
I think it’s about ownership and agency, right? We are the storytellers of our lives, not anyone else, so the power was always ours. We are just beginning to activate that and acknowledge it to be true.
How do you feel the theatre industry can support Black performers?
I think all productions should have a drama therapist in the team. It can be transformative – and not just for Black performers, but all folks involved.
What advice would you give to young Black performers dreaming of working in the industry?
Find mentors and community as your foundation, and work on your personal development. The industry will try to tell you who you are, and you need to get rooted in something firm to survive and thrive.
Shifters at the Duke of York’s Theatre – playing until 12 October. Photo by Marc Brenner.
Catch Heather in Shifters for just two more weeks – book your tickets at Official London Theatre.