We chatted to Kalifa about starring in the UK premiere of Maia Novi’s play Invasive Species, which will run at the King’s Head Theatre until the 3rd October.
How does it feel to be part of this UK premiere? It has been a real privilege to present this show to London audiences. Following its success in New York, telling this story to fresh eyes has really injected a sense of excitement and vitality into this iteration of Invasive Species.
What can we expect from Invasive Species? Ironically, I would say to watch the show with no expectations and allow the ride to take you; there isn’t a show in London at the moment like this. Expect a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, lights, brutal honesty and a tale of perseverance.
How has it been working on the show so far? An absolute rollercoaster! We hit the ground running in the rehearsal room, but the best part about that is that once the foundations were set, there was time to play. As a cast, we are still discovering new things in the run; our characters and relationships are evolving with each performance.
What did you take away from the story when you first read it? I resonated with two things immediately upon reading the script. Firstly, the relationship between identity and performativity. Throughout Maia’s journey in the play, she has outsiders telling her who she should be, how she should look, and what she should sound like. She struggles to find her own sense of self, constantly being shoved into boxes in which she doesn’t belong. Maia’s arc is to find her own sense of self. Does she perform what is expected of her or let her identity speak for itself?
Secondly, the notion of found family, the bond between Akila and Maia, two people who, in the “outside world”, may have never crossed paths, let alone found such a kinship with each other. Their relationship is an inspiring reminder that love and companionship can be found in the most dire circumstances and unexpected places.
How does it feel to be performing at the King’s Head Theatre? It’s not my first time performing at the King’s Head! In 2023, I performed at the previous venue, when it was still a room at the back of the pub. Returning to the new and improved venue has been an absolute pleasure. The King’s Head provides a brilliant venue for Off-West End work and a diverse selection of writing and performance. The crew and staff provide such a welcoming atmosphere; it’s been lovely to be back.
By Emma Clarendon
To book tickets visit: https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/invasive-species-q1qt