Writer-performer Hassan Govia brings his show Because to Brighton Fringe at the end of this month.
“Jade has all the answers, that is until some unexpected news provokes overwhelming questions and resurrects painful memories. Suddenly thrust into an existentialist journey of self-discovery, Jade finds himself at loggerheads with his most trusted voice of reason… himself.
Written and performed by Hassan Govia, Because is an explosive solo show that explores the long-term impact of bullying, engaging with issues of mortality, masculinity, privilege, and (undiagnosed) mental illness.”
Where: The Lantern
When: 29 May, 31 May
Ticket link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/because/
Hassan tells us more about this solo show and further plans.
Can you tell us a bit about your new show?
Because is a solo show centring on a character named Jade who talks to himself as a means of self-therapy. Upon hearing some unexpected news about an old school foe, also named Jade, buried memories begin to resurface causing him to spiral into an existential crisis and fall into conflict with his most trusted voice of reason: his inner voice.
It’s a big anniversary for Brighton Fringe this year – what do you like most about it?
This will be my first time experiencing the Brighton Fringe in any capacity, and I am looking forward to contributing to such a vibrant, eclectic festival. I love that it provides a platform for artists at any stage of their career and the diversity of the shows and talent on display. Brighton is also an exciting city in and of itself.
Because is described as an ‘explosive’ solo show and touches on ‘mortality, masculinity, privilege and (undiagnosed) mental illness’. Where did the idea come from and how did you develop the show?
The play was first conceived during the height of the pandemic when uncertainty was at an almighty high, particularly in relation to death and wellbeing, and during which there were no easy answers.
Rather than focusing on a Covid narrative, I instead imbued Jade’s story with a conflation of those anxieties at their core alongside matters I have long desired to address theatrically, namely my own personal experiences of bullying and emasculation.
We initially developed Because when our theatre company, Unshaded Arts, was selected to take part in the inaugural Artistic Residencies Scheme at the Lyric Hammersmith in 2021.
We shelved the project after this to pursue other opportunities, namely the inception of our new writing event, Universal, which gave us the opportunity to reconnect with a director who ultimately became the director and dramaturg of Because – Rebecca Goh.
Their vision and input into the piece has been paramount in shaping the vision of the show, and once they came on board we went on to premiere Because at The Cockpit for the 2024 Camden Fringe Festival.
What else is in the pipeline after these shows?
We are making our Edinburgh Fringe debut this year with Because and another show that we premiered last year at the Kenya International Theatre Festival – Strangers and Revelations by my Unshaded Arts co-founder, Chiedza Rwodzi. Both shows have been programmed by theSpaceUK, and we will be there for the entire festival run.
Sell us your show in three words!
Dramatic, unpredictable and honest.