“This is real. It’s happening today in the UK”: Alex Jarrett tells us about child-marriage drama AISHA

Buy tickets for AISHA

Performer Alex Jarrett is taking on a tough role this winter. The young actor tells the story of a teenager sold into marriage in Ailia’s one-woman drama AISHA. In our new interview she tells us about coping with the emotions of the story and the invaluable support she’s received. Have a read then book your tickets for the show’s final dates, 4 to 5 January at Tristan Bates Theatre.

AISHA tells the story of a 14-year-old girl whose parents force her to marry a 51-year-old man. Aisha is sold for an expensive bride-price that her parents use to better themselves while they abandon their daughter. It is an act they justify using cultural and religious traditions. Aisha’s husband is sadistic and abusive. She cannot leave the house, communicate with the outside world, or even wash herself on a regular basis. She is denied every human right. How will she cope?

The play was first seen at the Hen & Chickens Theatre in 2017, but the piece, which is written in modern verse, has been altered since. At the Hen & Chickens Theatre it was staged with an ensemble cast. This year it is staged as a one-woman play.

Former Young Major of Newham, Alex Jarrett, takes the title role. Her previous stage roles include Boyz and Gyals at Theatre Royal Stratford East and Hacktivists at the National Theatre. She also appeared in the London Olympics Opening Ceremony and will feature in the upcoming BBC miniseries, Les Misérables.

The Home Office estimates that between 5,000 and 8,000 young people a year are at risk of forced marriage. In 2017, almost 1,200 cases of forced marriage were reported to the government’s Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), and of these, more than 25% involved victims under the age of 18. In the 2017 report published by the Home Office and Foreign Office, which runs the FMU, the departments stress: “Forced marriage is a hidden crime, and these figures may not reflect the full scale of the abuse.”

AISHA runs from 3 to 8 December 2018 at Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4NJ, from 9 to 10 December at King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper St, London N1 1QN and from 4 to 5 January 2019 at Tristan Bates Theatre, 1A Tower St, London WC2H 9NP. Performance times and ticket prices vary by venue. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

Alex Jarrett interview

What grabbed you about AISHA that made you want to be part of the production?

The fact that it was a one-woman show interested me, but it took a lot of time and thinking to actually take on the role. I think what grabbed me was the idea that she is a similar age to me and I’ve never done anything like this before.

How would you describe Aisha, the person?

Aisha is just beautiful. She’s fierce, powerful, intelligent, witty and caring. She’s just so strong, her will to carry on after all she’s been through is inspiring. I’ve fallen in love with her.

How much did you know about child marriage before taking on the role, and what research have you done?

I didn’t know much, I’ll be honest. I think I did what a lot of people do, where if it isn’t happening to you directly you kind of block it out. I knew nobody it was happening to, and it certainly wasn’t happening to me, so I really didn’t think about it. Then when this came up, I really thought, “Wow, this is real, it’s happening today in the UK.” After doing some research I learnt a lot more about the subject. I think the research was important because I really didn’t want to offend any audience members if I got it wrong. It’s such a sensitive subject.

It’s a harrowing tale to tell. Do you have to take any steps to look after yourself as a performer?

In the beginning I found it hard to disconnect my personal life with the story. On my first rehearsal day, I was a weeping mess. And I had work after so I was just walking around asking for hugs because I felt so sad. Over time I learnt to disconnect from Aisha and leave her in the rehearsal room. But performance days really got to me because I’m reaching serious extremes daily. I get too tired. I think after the run I’m going to take some time out or go away for a few days to clear my head. Just practicing some self love will be best.

Jimmy Akingbola came to see you at the Old Red Lion. What’s it like to have the support of someone like him?

Well, to everyone he’s “Jimmy Akingbola” but to me he’s my amazing uncle Jimmy. So it felt overwhelming having an amazing actor (and one of my inspirations) in the audience, but that’s always the second thing I think. The first? Well that’s my Uncle Jimmy. I love him.

How are you feeling about ending this London tour at Tristan Bates Theatre?

I’ve loved spending a lot of time with Aisha and working with AJ, but I think I’m almost ready to let the story rest. I’ve touched so many hearts and the support has been amazing. I’ve had people knocking on my door crying in my arms after the show. I didn’t know I could touch people like this. But to answer your question, I’m excited to do it at a new venue and I’m looking forward to performing it the last couple of times.

Why should audiences come and see the show?

Because not only does it touch on a subject not many people know about, you get to see a young lady take on the role of another young lady (who is similar to me in a few ways) and tell an amazing story that NEEDS to be heard. This story is so important to me. It’s a journey I can’t do alone, seeing people in the audience actually makes the process a lot easier and comforts me in ways you can’t imagine. I hope you all get a chance to see it!