Actor Jamie Bogyo, known for his roles in musical theatre, is making his debut as a playwright with "Safe Space." The new play, set to open at the Minerva theatre in Chichester, explores the complex campus debates that took place at Yale University in 2016 regarding historical figures and institutional names.
Inspired by Bogyo's own experiences as a student during that period, the drama centers on a group of students navigating issues of identity politics, privilege, and personal conviction. The production deliberately captures the political atmosphere of the late Obama era, examining a pivotal moment in student activism.
Key Takeaways
- "Safe Space" is the first play written by actor and singer Jamie Bogyo.
- The story is based on real 2016 student protests at Yale University over the name of Calhoun College.
- The play focuses on student characters debating whether to remove the name of a pro-slavery historical figure.
- It is set during the final months of the Obama administration to reflect that specific political climate.
- The production will run at the Minerva theatre in Chichester from October 11 to November 8.
From Stage Actor to Playwright
Jamie Bogyo, a 32-year-old performer previously seen in the West End production of Moulin Rouge!, has transitioned from acting to writing with his first produced play. The move comes during a significant period for Bogyo, who recently married actor Marisa Abela and attended the Venice film festival for the premiere of a musical film he stars in with Amanda Seyfried, titled The Testament of Ann Lee.
Rehearsals for "Safe Space" began just five days after his wedding, marking a major career milestone. Bogyo's background is deeply rooted in theatre; his mother was an opera singer, and his father worked as an assistant to the celebrated composer Stephen Sondheim.
A Story Rooted in Personal Experience
The concept for "Safe Space" originated from events Bogyo witnessed as a senior at Yale University in 2016. During that time, students organized protests demanding that the university rename Calhoun College. The college was named after John C. Calhoun, a 19th-century U.S. vice president and a prominent advocate for slavery.
Bogyo wrote the play in 2019, intending to create a period piece that examines the social and political dynamics of that time. "It has to feel current but I don’t need it to feel zeitgeisty," Bogyo stated, emphasizing his focus on timeless themes rather than fleeting news cycles.
Historical Context: The Calhoun College Protests
The 2016 protests at Yale were part of a broader national movement in the United States to re-evaluate monuments and building names associated with controversial historical figures, particularly those with ties to slavery and the Confederacy. The debate over Calhoun College was a focal point of this movement on university campuses. Yale University officially renamed the college to honor Grace Hopper in 2017.
Exploring Identity and Disagreement on Stage
"Safe Space" focuses on the character-driven conflicts that arise from the campus-wide debate. According to Bogyo, the play explores how people can maintain relationships and love for one another despite holding deeply opposing views. "These kids are trying to find their identity in the age of identity politics," he explained.
The narrative follows several students as they grapple with the controversy. The characters include Annabelle (played by Céline Buckens), described as a well-meaning white liberal, and her Black friend Stacey (Bola Akeju). Another key character is Isaiah (Ernest Kingsley Jr.), a soloist in an a cappella group who feels pressured to support the anti-Calhoun cause.
"The political climate of the world hasn’t moved forward that much from 2016. We’re just looking through a different lens now. Like: how did we get from there to here?"
Reflecting on Privilege and Performative Activism
Bogyo admits that the play also draws from his own self-reflection on his position during the 2016 protests. As a student, he recalls making "impassioned… Facebook posts" and feeling pressure to speak out. "There was the worry that if I didn’t post something, I’d be judged for my silence," he said.
He also acknowledged how his perspective has evolved. "Rarely as a straight white man did I feel personally attacked, so I could compartmentalise an ideology that I knew was problematic," Bogyo noted. He explained that this sense of privilege is a struggle some of the characters in the play also face.
Authenticity and Fictionalization in the Narrative
While the play is grounded in real events, Bogyo has taken some creative liberties to enhance the drama. For instance, the plot involves a debate over toppling a statue of John C. Calhoun, which gives the historical conflict a physical presence on stage. However, Bogyo clarified, "There never was a Calhoun statue, but the arguments against the name were real."
A Scene from Real Life
One of the more personal scenes in the play, in which a character is caught masturbating, is based on an actual event Bogyo witnessed during his time at Yale. "It really happened," he confirmed, adding a layer of candid authenticity to the fictionalized story.
The play is also set one month after the fictional killing of a rightwing influencer at a campus event, adding a sense of heightened tension to the students' debates. This narrative choice aims to frame the discussions within a more volatile and consequential environment.
Future Projects Inspired by Education
Bogyo's interest in the world of education extends beyond "Safe Space." For several years, he has operated a private tuition company named American Education Experts, where he has worked with a wide range of clients, including the children of extremely wealthy families.
He revealed that he once tutored a member of the Bin Laden family, describing the experience as working with "a sweet kid" from a very large and complex family. These experiences have provided material for future writing projects.
Bogyo is currently developing two new scripts centered on education:
- An action caper inspired by his time as a private tutor.
- A comedy-drama about the pressures of SATs, the standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States.
With "Safe Space" beginning its run, Bogyo continues to draw on his academic and professional experiences to create stories that explore the intersections of education, politics, and personal growth.