Kiln Theatre will present the UK Premiere of MILMA'S TALE from 14 September - 21 October 2023. Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MILMA'S TALE is a powerful and unforgettable story of the ivory trade and its corruption.
Natey Jones and Brandon Grace in rehearsals for Milma's Tale. Photo by Marc Brenner.
This production will leave its mark with audiences long after the lights go down. Ahead of its opening in September, we have an interview with Brandon Grace who will star in the production as Andrew to find out more.
Can you begin Brandon by telling us what Mlima’s Tale is about?
Mlima’s Tale is a story about an elephant called Mlima trapped by the underground international ivory market. We follow Mlima as he takes us on a journey through memory, tradition, fear and the penumbra between want and need.
How is your character integrated into this story?
I play a number of characters in the play. They are all complicit in Mlima’s journey.
What was it about this production which drew you into auditioning for it?
I’m a massive fan of Lynn Nottage’s writing. I watched her play Sweat a few years ago and it was one of my favourites of the year. Also, the chance to work with Miranda was a must. I watched her production of And Breathe… and Death of a Salesman and thought they were amazing. The Kiln Theatre is also an exceptional theatre which constantly produces great shows; to get an opportunity to be in one was a no brainer.
Mlima’s Tale covers the ivory trade, why is it important to use this production to highlight the issues around it?
It’s important as the show provides an awareness of what has been happening and is still going on in the ivory trade. The play doesn’t necessarily give solutions to what is happening but instead comments on the situation and provokes important questions like how we treat life in exchange for ‘beauty’.
What has been your favourite part of developing this production so far?
Getting to work with this amazing ensemble and team. We all laugh a lot in rehearsals and it’s just a joy to be in the room. I’ve loved getting really physical and using the body as a form of language for the play.
What can audiences expect from Mlima’s Tale?
Audiences can expect to be transported on a beautiful and haunting tale that will get them to really think about who is complicit in the ivory trade.
The production is having its UK premiere at the Kiln Theatre, why is it important for audiences to support work like this?
Work like this is not only great entertainment but is also deeply thought provoking. With the support of audiences, work like this can continue to raise up important issues and questions that need to be discussed about the world right now.
Why should people come and see Mlima’s Tale at the Kiln Theatre?
It’s going to be a banging night out! You’ll definitely come out of it having learnt something - and at the same time be entertained.
Milma'sTale is performing at the Kiln Theatre from 14 September - 21 October 2023
