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Lambeth Fringe
Bad Faith Theatre Company discuss their play Golden Age
Bad Faith Theatre Company is a London-based group whose aim is to “create productions that anyone and everyone can see themselves in, while feeling challenged and driven to connect beyond the walls of the theatre.”
They are deep in rehearsals for their latest show, Golden Age, a new play with music coming to the Lambeth Fringe this September, that explores the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We caught up with the team to chat about their experiences in creating the show and what audiences should expect.
Wonderful to meet you, so who are Bad Faith Theatre?
We are a group of international theatre artists and we collectively devised the show Golden Age over the course of a couple months in 2023. Directed by Manley Gavich, it’s been a rewarding collaborative effort.
The actors in the Lambeth Fringe production are: Tatianna Nicholle Davis, Catherine Mieses, Page Mardell, Carolina Emidio, Shelby Corley, Hannah Waldman, Audrey Parry and Manley Gavich. Founding Members also include: Michelina DeVeas and Jayant Singh.
Where are you playing and why that venue?
Tatianna Nicholle Davis (playing Fighter/Sir Loin): We’re performing at the Golden Goose Theatre. Our first show was at the Corbett Theatre in Loughton through East 15, where we used the space to stretch the physical aspects of the show. The Golden Goose offers a similar setup, but with a smaller, more intimate feel, almost like a cabaret—a framework we use heavily in Golden Age.
What can audiences expect from the show?
Manley Gavich (director and playing Squawk): Audiences can expect all of the humor, charm, and choreography you’d anticipate from a Golden Age musical, wrapped up in a touching and intimate story.
What is your favourite element of the show?
Carolina Emidio (playing Squeak): The physicality of the show must be my favourite aspect of it – there’s a balance of strength, comedy, and a delicate exploration of the subject matter. It is a full experience – visually entertaining, fun, touching, and thought provoking. The audience can dream with the characters, identify with them, and challenge their ideas.
What is it about your character that you most enjoy?
Shelby Corley (playing Lover/Lava Mae): I love Miss Lava Mae’s unwavering optimism. She’s adored by the other characters and it gives me a personal confidence boost to feel that love!
How challenging was your role for you?
Catherine Mieses (playing Alba): This role was extremely challenging. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s and passed years ago. While devising the piece, I was reminded of what my family ,and I, experienced during his last few years. Being the “Everyman” in a play with many fantastical characters was tough. I take seriously the responsibility of connecting with the audience and guiding them through the very human, often heavy, aspects of this story.
Was there a moment during the production process that felt magical or transformative.
Page Mardell: During our first set of rehearsals, as the devising process was coming together into a show, we all had a moment of looking at each other and saying, “Wow. This is really good. Hope the audience loves it as much as we do.” That felt very special.
Is the version coming to Lambeth Fringe how you originally envisioned it or has it drastically changed since you put pen to paper?
Page Mardell (playing Host): A bit of both. The version we’re bringing to Lambeth isn’t unrecognizable from our first run. Though the key plot points have evolved, the emotional journey of the characters remains very similar.
If budget or reality was not an issue, what’s the one piece of scenery/set you’d love to have in your show?
Tatianna Nicholle Davis: This is more about a prop than a set, but we’d love to use actual fire in the performance. I am a fire performer, skilled fire eating and fire dancing. We’ve got a version of the show ready for a venue that allows fire!
If you had to describe your show as a meal, what would it be and why?
Shelby Corley: Sickly sweet popcorn. Delicious and nostalgic, but if you have too much, it might make you queasy.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the show?
Manley Gavich: I hope to leave people with a better understanding of what the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and that it sparks a sense of nostalgia that resonates with them and their families.
Catherine Mieses: I hope the audience recognizes that at the core of this story is heart – a deeply human truth. We all face grief and loss, and in the end, all we have is family, whether by blood or chosen, to lean on in life’s journey.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
Manley Gavich: A university professor once told me, “Write the story your heart knows you have to tell, in some way, in any way.” I’ve known for nearly a decade I wanted to talk about dementia. Through this process, I learned how to tell it.
Thanks to Bad Faith Theatre Company for chatting with us.
Golden Age will play at the Golden Goose Theatre on the 24th September as part of Lambeth Fringe. Further information and tickets available here.
