Akiya Henry is a young actress currently starring in a leading role in the world premiere of Sense of an Ending at Theatre503 in Battersea, London. After recent roles in plays including Deposit (Hampstead Theatre), Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bristol Old Vic) and Much Ado About Nothing (Royal Shakespeare Company New York)
Sense of an Ending is based on a true story and is a political thriller that shines a light on journalistic truth amid the atrocity of the Rwandan genocide. The play was written by the award-winning playwright Ken Urban and the script has already won an award for Best Play at the prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Tell us about your role in Sense of an Ending?
I play a Rwandan Hutu nun called Sister Alice who, alongside Sister Justina, is waiting to be placed on trial for war crimes during the Rwandan Genocide. She is an astute, naive, anxious girl who believes in her innocence and is desperately trying to convince the African-American reporter who has been sent to discover the truth.
How did you get into acting?
I always knew this was what I wanted to do – my mum says I popped out of the womb singing and dancing. I went to dance classes as a child and did lots of drama at school. I then worked with the National Youth Music Theatre for five years, playing roles such as Little Red in Into the Woods, Constance Neville in a musical version of She Stoops to Conquer. Via NYMT I received a part scholarship to study at the Eugene O’ Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut for a few months. When I arrived home from the US, a couple of agents wanted to sign me, so instead of going to drama school I went straight to work as an actor. Touch wood, I haven’t looked back since.
What has been your favourite role so far?
That’s a super hard question to answer. The amazing thing about my job is that every experience is so wonderful and unique. I am lucky enough to have worked in musical theatre, opera, classical and contemporary drama, physical theatre, animation, film – the list goes on. But if you were holding me to ransom, I would chose the eight-year-old slave boy I played in a beautiful play called Coram Boy at the Royal National Theatre. It took me on a huge personal journey; now I truly understand what our ancestors went through to make sure I could just walk a street freely today. It was also the first time I cut my afro! But it paid off because so many people thought I was actually a boy.
What advice would you give to any black women wanting to get into acting?
Never limit yourself: learn the classics, explore all plays and make yourself as versatile as possible. I never look at myself as a black actor. I am an actor full stop and anything and everything is possible. Also, when you feel frustrated about the limitations of the industry, do it yourself: create,create, create. If you have a story to be told, don’t wait for someone to do it for you.
What’s your dream role?
My dream role has always been to play Lady Macbeth – as a character she intrigues me. The great news is that I am about to play her in a film version. Prayers answered, tick!
Finish this sentence, If I wasn’t an actress I would be….
…a foster mum. My late foster mum was one of the most amazing women I have ever known. If it wasn’t for her love, faith, strength, joy and belief in me, my dreams might never have been fulfilled. There are so many children out there that need love and encouragement to follow their dreams.
Sense of An Ending is currently on at Battersea Theatre 503.
