Until Sunday 11 December Plumb Theatre is presenting a masterful production of Mike Barlett’s Snowflake, directed by Paul Gittins. This a unique chance to see a world class slice of important thought-provoking independent theatre in an intimate setting. To immerse ourselves in the intricacy of this accomplished work, express speaks to cast members Layla Pitt and Clementine Mills.
Why did Snowflake’s dissecting of generational differences personally speak to you as an actor?
Layla:
I was born in London and moved here quite young so it’s cool to connect with that a little. I also love how it really speaks to how Gen Z speaks up about things that are in fact offensive and people call us ‘snowflakes’ because we’re offended, but a lot of the things that were built into the ‘norm’ were never okay in the first place.
Clementine:
It’s such an honest, confronting and relatable exploration of the generation gap and everything that gets lost in translation, in that grey area between listening and hearing. Sometimes that clash can be hilarious; sometimes infuriating, cringe-inducing and just plain offensive. I think the strength of this play is that all of the characters raise very sound logical points whilst also having huge blindspots to their own ignorance or bias so no one is perfect or a truly reliable source, they’re all flawed human beings like the rest of us. I think that allows us to see ourselves reflected and investigate our own prejudices and shortcomings in a non-judgemental way. We have all had the conversations that these characters have had and we have all been the people who have not felt heard, or have been the people talking over others when really we should have taken a seat and listened. It’s about taking accountability for your own personal growth and about patience and forgiveness.
Does the play make you feel more or less positive about society’s divisions and why?
Layla:
I think neutral because society’s divisions still affect my life and many others on an almost daily basis, but what this play does which I love is shed light on it. It speaks on so many relevant issues and divisions.
Tell us a bit about your character?
Layla:
Natalie is a 25 year old mixed race (British/Jamaican) raised in Kilburn, London and is a student at Leeds University. Super intelligent and really blunt, quite iconic, definitely a person I’d look up to in real life.
Clementine:
Maya is in her early twenties and is going through a renaissance of self-discovery after growing up in a small, conservative English town and grieving the death of her mother and estrangement from her father. She’s smart, witty, unconventional and opinionated but also quite problematic in her approach to political debate. She has a lot of ego and although she has the best of intentions and cares a lot about social justice, her self-absorption and privilege mean she is often blinkered to the wider reality of the world and is guilty of some pretty unbearable virtue signalling and saviourism. I think she’s a good example of someone who wants to do the right thing but goes about it in the wrong way.
Why should all express readers be buying tickets to Snowflake?
Layla:
It’s a really well written play that I think everyone can relate to in one way or another. It really showcases the difference in respect and what that means/how it’s displayed. I think it really plays into how the characters interact with each other, when their core values don’t differ as much as you’d think.
Clementine:
I think the play explores the nuances of sexuality and queerness in a way that is subtle and intelligent and that is so rarely seen on stage. I also think it will appeal to a wide scope of people regardless of age or background, I think it speaks to everyone.
I also feel that supporting theatre is now more important than ever as our industry has been totally gutted by the pandemic. Theatres were some of the first spaces to close and some of the last to re-open and we’re still seeing the repercussions on the arts as a whole as well as on practitioners individually. Not only is this a very powerful, thought-provoking and entertaining night at the theatre, but your support will be hugely appreciated and will be contributing to rebuilding the independent live art scene.
What was the first great piece of theatre you ever saw and what impact did it have on you?
Clementine:
When I was at drama school in Sydney I saw a number of really incredible shows at Sydney Theatre Company that totally changed my perspective on theatre and how transporting and exhilarating it can be. But if I have to pick one I’d say seeing August Osage County with the Steppenwolf Theatre cast was a real game-changer for me. It was some of the most fast-paced, seamless, heartbreaking acting I’ve ever seen.
What character would you most like to play in the future and why?
Clementine:
This answer probably couldn’t get any gayer – but I’ve always wanted to play Nan in Tipping The Velvet. If they ever did a remake of that, that would be my absolute dream role. She goes on such a huge journey of personal discovery and meets so many fascinating characters along the way. I have also been on a similar journey with my gender identity (I identify as genderqueer/female) and Nan’s rejection of societal expectations and norms spoke to me long before I realised why.
Layla, Clementine and seasoned co-star Michael Lawrence deliver nuanced magnetic performances that draw you deeper into Barlett’s enthralling script.
Plumb Theatre is reminiscent of the early days of SILO Theatre and will soon outgrow their humble digs. Get in to see these boutique productions before they are playing packed houses in much larger venues. Auckland is extremely lucky to have Plumb Theatre, artfully curated by ex-Shortland Street legend, Paul Gittins.
For bookings visit www.plumbproductions.co.nz
