DAM: Dark-Comedy play ‘Shook’ by Samuel Bailey, has moved audiences overseas through its honest and often overlooked story that shines a torch on Youth offenders locked up in the system. And it’s been yet to have it’s Australian Premiere – until now. Produced by Lost ThoughtArts and under the Direction of Emma Whitehead, the play stars Louis Regan, Malek Domköc, Isaac Harley & Edyll Ismail, and is playing from now until the 5th of June at The Substation, Qtopia Sydney.
‘Bailey’s play asks if those raised with the odds stacked against them can ever truly break the cycle’. We spoke with Actor, Malek Domköc, on the process of bringing this production together with the team, his connection to his character, working with Emma Whitehead and what he hopes audiences might take away from the show.
DAM: Malek, what drew you to auditioning for Shook?
MD: Well, I first came to know about Shook through Emma, the director, when she was directing me in a Sydney fringe festival show last year. After reading the script, I immediately fell in love with it. The story, the humour and the dark realities of these boys’ lives really came through to me and I knew from then, I wanted to be a part of it. Shook’s authenticity and perspective in which the story is told, is mind-blowing and that wouldn’t be possible without the brilliant direction and guidance from Emma Whitehead and our very talented cast and crew who have given everything to see this production premiere in Australia.
DAM: How did you prepare for this role, what was your preparation process like?
MD: My preparation was simple, and I say this because of my background as a South Sudanese person in Australia. I get to see both sides, as a minority and an Australian. And these characters in Shook comes from marginalised communities and they’re trying to let other people see their struggles or perhaps let them see life through their lens.
All I did was put myself in Riyad’s shoes as a South Sudanese man and think about what it feels like to be pushed to the edge by society.
“I put myself in Riyad’s shoes as a South Sudanese man and thought about what it feels like to be pushed to the edge by society.”
And of course, afterwards I just switched that to London, the place and community which this character comes from, and I did that with the help of our cultural consultant, Naser Ali. I’m also very fortunate to have grown up around my brothers and cousins whom I have learnt so much from. The silliness, jokes, and the level of seriousness we shared is something I withdrew a lot from for Riyad.
DAM: How has your perspective changed since delving into this role (if it has) – what have you learned?
MD: To be honest, my perspective hasn’t changed much. If anything, it has heightened my thoughts on how much marginalised communities are often overlooked. Not often do people from these communities or backgrounds get given a chance to voice their struggles and concerns, and for people to really LISTEN. All we hear is, “He said, she said, they said” and people just move on with their lives.
“Not often do people from these communities or backgrounds get given a chance to voice their struggles and concerns, and for people to really LISTEN.”
DAM: What was it like working under the direction of Emma Whitehead?
MD: This is my second time working with Emma and it has been nothing short of fun and fulfilling each time! This process has been a playful, collaborative, and creative journey. She lets you really explores your character through playful exercises and improvs. And I think this allowed me to fully understand my character and everything about them, the fun, chill and even the most gruesome side of them. She really knows how to bring the best out of you.
“Emma lets you really explore your character through playful exercises and improvs… This allowed me to fully understand my character, the fun, chill and even the most gruesome side of them. She really knows how to bring the best out of you.”
DAM: What’s been a favourite moment working on this play so far?
MD: I think everything about this show has been my favourite. The banter and laughs we shared among the cast and crew is unmatched. It made the whole process very enjoyable and a thing to look forward to with each rehearsal.
DAM: What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
MD: With all the humour and seriousness within the play, I hope audiences will be able to understand that these are lived experiences and hopefully have a change of perspective, if they were not aware of the existence of these circumstances. And realise that we all navigate a very thin line in life and each day is an opportunity to make a change for the better.
“We all navigate a very thin line in life and each day is an opportunity to make a change for the better.”
DAM: Any word of advice to other creatives in Australia, particularly those of a diverse ethnic background?
MD: If I can give some advice, I’d just say be you. Tell stories that speak to you as a person, and I guarantee the right people will follow you on that journey. Support and uplift each other. Art is a collective voice.
Diversity Australia Magazine 