Sophie Okonedo, 54, is one among our most extraordinary actors, now starring as Medea at @sohoplace theatre in London and giving a heart-flaying tour de drive of a efficiency as Euripides’s tragic child-slayer. Her profession on stage, display screen and tv reached new ranges of conspicuous achievement in 2014 after successful a Tony for her efficiency in A Raisin within the Solar and she or he has been a lot feted ever since. She has performed Cleopatra on the Nationwide, Winnie Mandela on tv and can star within the third season of Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed Sluggish Horses later this yr.
How a lot do you see Medea as a legendary determine – or do you are feeling she possesses a contemporary psyche?
I attempt to place myself proper within the centre – I don’t know another approach to act. Except I’m related to the individual I’m enjoying, I simply wouldn’t know methods to do it. I don’t assume from the skin. I really feel that myths are at all times present.
To what extent is the method of studying traces your method into understanding how you’ll say them?
That’s a great query, one folks don’t actually ask. For me, the thorough investigation of traces is methods to entry what I’m doing. I discover it fairly troublesome with tv work as a result of screenwriters generally rewrite the night time earlier than, which might make me really feel I’m shedding my company as an actor.
That’s “earlier than” – and what about “after”? Performing Medea should be so draining?
Once I’m doing a present, I discover it onerous to do the rest. Individuals would possibly come to say hi there after the present however I don’t need to exit for dinner. Assembly folks takes my power so I keep away from that. With my husband and kids it’s completely different, however I are likely to hold quiet many of the day. And but with this present, I’m not drained afterwards. I’ve been in exhibits with smaller elements and been extra exhausted. It’s as a result of Dominic Cooke directed it so nicely. He’d say: “I need to hear your argument.” I’m not counting on feelings in Medea, I’m counting on language.
Have you ever seen Alice Diop’s Oscar-nominated movie Saint Omer, which explores the Medea story?
My agent in America mentioned: “You have to watch this movie” and I beloved it – it was sensible. These performances had been unimaginable.
What do you make of the brand new @sohoplace theatre?
I’m completely loving this theatre. I went to have a look at it when it was being constructed. I mentioned: “I actually need to work right here” – they usually’ve held me to that. What stands out is its intimacy. The viewers is true in with the actors and you’ll be very refined together with your voice and expressions. There are not any dangerous seats!
You’re the daughter of a Jewish mom and a father of Nigerian heritage – how do you consider your self and which background is extra pertinent?
I take into consideration myself as a mix and it’s all pertinent. I used to be introduced up by my mom, so know extra about her household. My mom labored as a pilates trainer – she’s simply retired, really.
Citing your personal daughter, is there something you resolved to do in another way from the best way your mom raised you?
I’ve a daughter and two stepchildren. Bringing her up feels so way back now – my daughter is 26. I’m at all times feeling I ought to do every little thing in another way. Being a mother or father is a kind of issues continuously crammed with that feeling – which makes it onerous to make a sentence out of it.
What do you love to do most that has nothing to do with appearing?
Biking. I reside in Sussex and cycle with my husband [she is married to Jamie Chalmers, a builder]. He’s a lot fitter than I’m however the beauty of biking is you can go slowly. Final yr, we adopted a little bit of the Tour de France and that was sensible. Straight after this present, we’re going to Italy to look at the Giro d’Italia.
What makes you angriest in life?
The same old issues – injustice – however I’m a extremely emotional individual. I’m barely pushed by my feelings [laughs], which is basically good for appearing however is probably not so sensible for actual life. I generally really feel like all my pores and skin is off. I discover being on stage very holding. It’s what I’m meant to do. Everybody has their factor they’re good at – I’m not good at a number of issues however that is the one factor I can do.
What initially made you need to turn into an actor?
I felt most comfy when appearing. I didn’t act in school however joined the Royal Court docket’s youth theatre once I was a youngster and had a tiny position in Caryl Churchill’s Critical Cash.