An interview with Gabriel Mokake

We chat to BYMT Alumni Gabriel Mokake about his time with BYMT. Gabriel has starred in The Color Purple, Dessa Rose and will soon be performing in Children of Eden and Dreamgirls.

Gabriel was part of the BYMT Company from 2007-2009 performing in Rare Dreams (2007), Endangered (2008) and A Winter's Tale (2009).

I had an incredible time working on BYMT projects. I was able to form a wonderful network of friends and whilst having the time of my life, building foundations to my theatre craft. Those summers taught me so much about working with others, and writing my own stuff and most importantly confidence, as a youngster in theatrical industry.

Do you still keep in contact with any BYMTers?

Absolutely I made some incredible friends on these projects. And we all still keep in contact! I've worked professionally with some and even lived with some.

Why should people get involved with BYMT?

Young people should consider joining BYMT not only because can it build your confidence and professionalism. It can really help Influence your path into the industry whether it be performing, directing, writing, composing or choreographing BYMT gives you a little taste of the Artistic World.

What would your dream role be?

I'm terrible with these sort of questions but I don't think it's been written yet... I would love to play great historical characters such as Frederick Douglass, Dr Martin Luther King Or Christopher Gardner.

(L-R) Sunny Moodie, Joshua Tonks, Jaygann Ayeh and Gabriel Mokake - Rare Dreams, 2007

Favourite Shows?

Another difficult question for Plays The Importance of Being Earnest and Musical The Color Purple.

Tips for auditions.

Be Positive. Smile. Do the research!

What/who should young people research in the arts?

Knee High, Punchdrunk and The National Theatre.

Favourite food?

Eastern Foods! Thai, Chinese and more.

Ideal holiday?

Maldives or Papa New Ginuea.

THE most important question: Scone (as in stone) or Scone (as in gone)?

Both!

Read more interviews with BYMT Alumni here on our blog!