Inside The Wire: They Don’t Really Care About Us

I first got involved with They Don’t Really Care About Us after hearing that Sab was looking for another writer to collaborate with. I’d read great reviews about the projects he and the 4AM Productions team had worked on so decided to get in touch.

Sab had written the first 20 pages and after an initial chat and we organised a Zoom call to map it all out. We bounced ideas off each other for over three hours and I knew straight away this play was going to be something special.

Sab is a really talented writer and I feel that our writing styles work really well together. It was boss to see our words all blending into one solid script. Towards the end of the writing process, we spent hours in the editing process because we knew we wanted people to be blown away when they read it, and not to toot our own horns (maybe a bit) but they were! I’m really proud of what we’ve created.

What initially drew me to the script was the themes the play explores. They Don’t Really Care About Us looks lots of real issues that are prevalent today that were just as prevalent in the 90s -which is mad. It looks at things like family, racism, racial injustice within the criminal justice system and the police, violence against women, sexism and how all these issues are portrayed in the media.

We had so many incredible actors come to the auditions, so it was such a tough decision when making the final call, but I am so happy with the cast that we have. I feel lucky to be working with such talented, hardworking and all-round lovely people. From the auditions to the rehearsals everyone turns up with 100% energy and so much commitment to do the play justice. I’m always blown away after every rehearsal! So big shout out to Sab, Phil, Lisa, Alan, Sudha, Madeleine, Paul, Nina, Abi, Leonisha, Kru and Hannah and the rest of the 4AM team working behind the scenes.

Directing the play has been such an exciting experience and I love seeing the characters come to life. I’m co-directing with Sab and George Fragakis, our awesome movement director, and I like to think we have created a directing dream team! I feel like it’s the blend of our individual skills and personalities that makes it really work. We all bring something different to the table that compliments the work of the others.

I’m so glad I responded to that callout and got the opportunity to write and direct a play that has already been an amazing experience. We’re 8 weeks out from show night and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the next few weeks of rehearsals go.