Show artwork for Truth, ambiguity & hope
Kevin Copeland in Is God Is. Photo: Pia Johnson
Q&A

Truth, ambiguity & hope

Kevin Copeland discusses his approach to playing a complex and morally ambiguous character in Is God Is and why he believes the show, though dark, is ultimately hopeful and encourages empathy.

Tell us about your character in a nutshell.

My character Man is a complex and morally ambiguous figure. He is one of the central characters in the story and plays a significant role in the narrative. I try and portray Man as a cunning and manipulative individual. He is driven by his desire for power and control, which leads him to commit heinous acts without remorse. He is often willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals, resorting to violence and deception. In my opinion Man represents the dark side of human nature, embodying traits such as greed, cruelty and a lack of empathy.

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Grant Young, Kevin Copeland and Darius Williams in Is God Is. Photo: Pia Johnson

How does it feel to be working within this company?

I’m enjoying how diligent the cast are at looking for the truth in each character. Every day that we practice, or every day that we’re sitting at the rehearsal table, we’re all trying to work out these little nuances that our character has.

What resonates most for you within the show?

I think everyone can take away something from each character. I personally relate to some other characters more so than Man. I see the character of Man as sitting very much on the fence, in terms of what is ambiguous and what is reality. I think the truth for Man lies somewhere in the middle, which in my opinion is always more interesting to play.

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Henrietta Enyonam Amevor and Kevin Copeland in rehearsals for Is God Is. Photo: Joshua Scott

What do you hope audiences go away thinking about or talking about after they see the show?

My hope is Is God Is leaves audiences with a profound sense of hope that transcends the darkness and turmoil depicted in the play. Through exploring themes of revenge, trauma and identity, I hope the audience is compelled to confront the complex nature of the human experience and that which perpetuates injustice – to empathise with the characters and their struggles. Witnessing the intense journey of the twin sisters, who have endured a lifetime of abuse and mistreatment, and developing a deeper understanding of the resilience and strength within marginalised communities. I hope that empathy bridges gaps in understanding and fosters compassion in the face of adversity. Another important hope is that Is God Is sparks introspection and critical reflection among audience members. 

Furthermore, the play strives to inspire a sense of agency and empowerment. The twin sisters embark on a journey of vengeance, reclaiming their power and seeking justice on their terms. The hope is that audiences are inspired by their determination and resilience, recognising their own capacity to challenge and overcome oppressive forces. By witnessing this transformative journey, viewers may find the courage to confront their own obstacles and advocate for change.

Ultimately, I hope Is God Is ignites a call to action within the hearts of audience members. By shining a light on the effects of trauma and oppression, to awaken a sense of urgency in addressing social injustices.

Published on 29 June 2023

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