An interview with the Yazmeen Enoch, Emeka Agada (Reacher) and Treci Dominique performing The Midnight Caller. https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/the-midnight-caller.html#:~:text=The%20Midnight%20Caller%20is%20a,world%20of%20late%2Dnight%20solitude.
Hello many thanks for agreeing to the interview
What inspired you to create The Midnight Caller? Our production of The Midnight Caller was inspired by the stark realities of modern work culture—particularly the isolation that comes with jobs designed to be invisible. Call centers, night shifts, and low-wage positions often leave workers feeling disconnected from the world around them, trapped in a cycle where human interaction is reduced to scripted exchanges and fleeting voices on the other end of a phone. We wanted to explore how that environment affects a person’s sense of self, reality, and control.
By blending social commentary with psychological suspense, The Midnight Caller turns workplace isolation into something deeply unsettling. The fear of being alone isn’t just about ghosts or unseen dangers—it’s about being unheard, unseen, and powerless.
Could you share any personal experiences, ideas, or moments that influenced the themes of isolation and fear explored in the play? I think all three of us can relate to the feeling of isolation that moving to a new country brings you. And while it’s exciting to be on our own and pursuing your dreams, being away from family and friends can be isolating and it’s also scary at times.
Rather than a single moment, it’s been the laughter during rehearsals that stands out most—those lighthearted breaks that remind us of our bond beyond the work. When creating a piece as dark as The Midnight Caller, these moments are essential, not just for keeping our spirits protected but for strengthening our connection as both performers and friends.
What challenges have you faced in bringing this one-act thriller to
life, and how did your team overcome them? The biggest challenge has probably been wearing the producer hat and actor hat at the same time. Especially during rehearsal, in a space when you want to be creative but you are also thinking about” does this really work within our budget” . What has helped us with overcoming this challenge is keeping things separate. When we come together in rehearsal, that is a time for us to solely put on our actor hat and be able to engage fully as creative professionals. Though it’s not 100%, that’s the fun of it all sometimes.
In what ways do you believe Fiona’s character resonates with audiences, especially in today’s context? I think many people can relate to the feeling of being stuck in a job they don’t like but need to work to survive. There’s that on top of this sense of loneliness and that I really feel is prevalent today especially with people in their 20’s.
As a collective, what values or principles guide your work at Black Pen
Productions?
At BlackPen Productions, we are committed to telling bold, authentic stories that center Blackness in fresh and unexpected ways. We strive to subvert expectations, showcasing Black North Americans in narratives that go beyond stereotypes while staying true to the complexities of our experiences. Above all, we value truthfulness in storytelling—ensuring our work resonates with depth, nuance, and cultural authenticity.
What are your hopes for “The Midnight Caller” once it is performed?
When we look back at where we started, it’s amazing how far our little band has come from. We would be lying if we said we don’t hope for bigger things as a team. But once we have performed, the thoughts that will come to our mind most likely is “Let’s go for a longer run”
The show is on for a limited run 13th-15th February 2025, so get your tickets now.