We sat down with Mohamed Sarrar who plays Omar in The Jungle here at the Young Vic. Mohamed, who is originally from Sudan, came through the Calais “Jungle” before successfully making the crossing to the UK. A drummer and singer, he took part in Good Chance Theatre’s programme while there and since coming to the UK has performed in The Welcoming Party at Manchester International Festival and Borderline at the Brighton fringe.
1. Can you describe your character in The Jungle in three words?
Musical, energetic, soulful.
2. What’s the most exciting thing about being part of this particular Young Vic production?
Being on the Young Vic stage and being able to tell people about the refugee crisis.
3. How do you think this show will make audiences feel?
Hopefully audiences will feel closer to the crisis – and be inspired to help in their own small way.
4. Did you do anything unusual to prepare for this role?
I spent time in the Jungle camp so I didn’t need to prepare as I’d already lived there!
5. What was it like working with Good Chance Theatre?
I have always loved working with Good Chance Theatre, since the first time I found them. They treat refugees as humans. It’s an honour for me to work with them.
6. What are you usually doing 10 minutes before the show begins?
Having a chat with the other performers and doing some humming as a vocal warm up.
Ammar Haj Ahmad (Safi) and Nahel Tzegai (Helene) in The Jungle at the Young Vic © Leon Puplett.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Not to lose touch with anyone who was kind to you.
8. Who is your ultimate hero and what would you say to them if you ever met them?
I don’t have a specific one!
9. What is your favourite play (that you’ve seen / read / worked on)?
It’s actually a play I saw at the Young Vic – A Man of Good Hope.
10. What is the last thing that made you laugh out loud.
This really funny Arabic joke about a pen – I can’t tell you it.
11. Confession time. This is a safe space: tell us something that you’ve never told anyone before.
Back home in Sudan, I fell in love with my Chemistry teacher, so I deliberately left the answers blank on my exam so my family would get me tutoring with her. If my dad found out he’d be very angry!
The Jungle runs until 9 Jan. Find out more about the production here. Tickets are sold out but you are welcome to queue for returns on the day.
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