We were lucky to speak with Rosie Day about Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, woman in the entertainment industry and the importance to give teenagers a voice.
Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon is the perfect show to highlight for International Women’s Day as it was written by Rosie Day, directed by Georgie Staight and is starring Charithra Chandran.
Interview with Rosie Day
You started your career as an actress from a young age, how have your experiences of this industry changed over the years?
It’s interesting, it’s definitely become more inclusive which is excellent. But as you get older as an actress you’re told your time is running out but as a male actor, the parts get better with age. It’s still an industry rife with inequality. We’re at a point now where the tide is turning, but it’s slow. I’ve still only worked with a small number of female directors compared to men but I’m determined to be part of the change. It’s definitely safer thanks to the TimesUp movement, and people are treated with a lot more care now than they were a decade ago.
What inspired Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon?
Teenage Armageddon was written when there were lots of very successful one woman shows such as Fleabag. I was annoyed there wasn’t a ‘One Girl Play’ , a play that puts a teenage girl front and center of her own story. So often entertainment shows the teenage years as shiny or nostalgic, I wanted to put something really honest on stage.
Why do you think this story resonates with so many people?
I think because people recognise their own experiences within it. We’ve had everyone from twelve year olds to seventy five year olds say they relate to it. It’s also very funny, which is a great way to connect with people on the more difficult topics like mental health and grief. (And it has a lot of Taylor Swift references too!)
What was the biggest challenge you faced with bringing this writing to life on stage?
Performing it eight shows a week for our run at Southwark Playhouse was the biggest challenge. When it’s just you on stage it’s 75 minutes of all eyes on you and there’s nowhere to hide! It’s the best feeling but also terrifying in equal measure!
What’s one thing you’d love audiences to take away from Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon?
That we need to listen to our teenagers. We need to talk with them. They observe everything, they’re so smart and switched on, we need to invite them into conversations.
Happy International Women’s Day! What does this day mean to you?
It’s a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come as women and celebrate the women who paved the way before us but also recognise how much there still is to be done for women to achieve equality, safety and the ability to take up space in the world without shame.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I feel like now I get to write for a living (which I feel immeasurably grateful for!) I get to rewrite my story. I’m pretty proud of that.
What women inspire you the most and why?
Women who live authentically as themselves (and with kindness)
During your career in the entertainment industry what’s the biggest positive change for women you’ve noticed or experienced?
We’re allowing women and younger women too to take control and tell stories. It’s a work in progress but I get so excited everytime I see a young female director in charge of a set!
And finally, what was your favourite school trip you ever went on and why?
I didn’t go on many school trips as I was often working, I think we went to a zoo and a garden center once, not terribly exciting but any chance to get out of school I was 100% there for!
Find out more about Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon.
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