Amarachi Logo is an Igbo Nigerian-born actor, writer and spoken word artist based in Naarm. After joining Western Edge in 2017 and performing as a key player in their theatre productions, she is currently an Artistic Associate with the organisation.
Her acting credits include This (RISING), Burning Love (Playlist Live), The Human Voice, A Disorganised Zoom Reading of Contagion, Seers (Playlist Live) and Future Echoes: Edge Ensemble at Arts Centre Melbourne. Among her achievements as an emerging playwright, she was shortlisted for the Griffin Award and selected for Melbourne Theatre Company’s First Stage program in 2021. From 2022-2023, Armarachi was selected for the Theatre Works’ She Writes Collective.
Amarachi’s distinct voice and passion for storytelling shines through in all of her creative work. Most recently, Amarachi penned Akaraka, a theatre production centred around the experience of a young, Nigerian woman, Adaeze, who sits at a crossroads in life. The play is a celebration of culture, exploring the complexities that come with identity, love, and the reckoning of sacrifice. The show, presented by The Substation and Empty Seat, runs 20-23 March 2024 in Naarm.
In this Colour Box Studio interview, Amarachi talks about growing up in Aotearoa (New Zealand) where she developed a love for stories; memorable moments working with kids as part of Great Acts from Small Humans at La Mama Theatre; and the deep personal significance of her latest endeavour, Akaraka.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Amarachi and I’m an actor, spoken word artist and writer. I was born in Nigeria and grew up in Aotearoa (New Zealand) before moving to Naarm (Melbourne) at the age of 16. I currently work at Western Edge as Artistic Associate and love to write whenever I get the chance to!
How did you start your creative practice and why?
In New Zealand, I found a love for drama when I felt like nothing else in school worked for me. In 2010 the new drama teacher rocked up to school and I instantly fell in love. She was my favourite teacher and always pushed me to be the best version of myself. I ended up getting 1st in Drama for 3 years and I felt so good about it. When I moved here, the drama class I was in was quite exclusive and isolating and I felt like all the confidence I had, had disappeared so I quit acting and studied technology. In 2017 I joined Western Edge and it reignited my passion for acting and then a few years later I had a new found love for writing and storytelling. I started writing because of the lack of representation I was seeing as an emerging actor in Australia and basically wanted to take matters into my own hands (literally).
Where did you grow up and how has it influenced your practice?
I grew up in New Zealand. I would say it’s influenced my love for stories. I went to a very diverse school where everyone was basically friends with each other. I used to write stories for my friends based on their crushes or interests and I think that’s always inspired me to write about real people and real stories. I was always exposed to theatre that was good because it was good and I never really thought about representation because my drama teacher always made me feel like theatre is for everybody and anyone can step into any role they want without feeling like they have to jump through massive hoops. I like to think I’m creating work/stories that allow for that too!
Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been a highlight so far?
I worked on a show for Carlton Primary School called Great Acts from Small Humans at La Mama Theatre in 2022 and it was the most heartwarming process I’ve ever been part of. I’d never written for children before but it was the first time I had total fun with the script and was kinda allowed to be silly. Think crocodile wrestling, evil hosts and a character named Yuno who always ends his sentence with You know? I want to be able to go into each work I write with permission to also have fun cos theatre is meant to be fun too!
Tell us about your current project?
Akaraka is my baby, my love letter to younger me and my culture. I wrote this work because I was in a play that made me feel so worthless and really amplified that I’m in a business that favours white people more (it’s just facts). I remember breaking down to my partner and telling him I never want to feel like that again and he asked what I was gonna do about it. I thought about it and said I’m gonna make my own play – and I did. Akaraka is an Igbo word for destiny and I wanted this play to highlight the complexities of being a migrant child and also be a celebration of culture. There was a time where I would tell people I’m from Nigeria and they’d tell me that they’ve been scammed before or make jokes about the Nigerian Prince and I wanna show that my country is more than that. It’s colourful, it’s fun, it’s kind, it’s resilient, it’s messy and it’s home.
Who or what inspires your practice?
My family and friends. I love watching real people interact and it doesn’t get realer than people you grew up with or surround yourself with on a daily basis.
I’m also inspired by a lot of Nigerian films which I grew up watching – it’s extravagant and sometimes borderline outlandish and unbelievable but it’s truth and authenticity presented unapologetically.
Where do you feel most creative and why?
In the car when I’m driving by myself because I like the quiet and that’s the one time my brain feels creative because there’s nothing else to do but drive and all these ideas run through my brain and I just talk to myself. Car rides are where all my best ideas come from. I also feel most creative when I’m with my husband because we bounce ideas off each other and he’s the only person who can keep up with my hectic thoughts. Akaraka is basically a collaboration with him, he’s like my unofficial dramaturg.
What do you hope audiences take from your work?
I want audiences to feel some sense of joy and understanding. I also want people to feel like they can take a breath by the end of the play.
The journey of life looks different for everyone and walking someone else’s path can be damaging. We all have our own Akaraka.
What gets you through creative challenges or tough industry times?
Stepping away and doing something else. I used to get so wrapped up in the toughness of industry but I realised there’s more to life and I’ve gotta look after myself first.
I also do a lot of work in church and building my relationship with God has been my anchor and strength and has allowed me to keep going even when things seem like it’s too hard. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
Trophy Boys (on tour) by Emmanuelle Mattana
Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks at Melbourne Theatre Company
Cut Chilli by Chenturan Aran
Whose work are you digging at the moment?
I might be a little biased but I’m a massive fan of Michael Logo 🙂
Where can we find and follow you online?
Personal account: @amarxchi_ (IG)
Producer’s account: @emptyseattheatre (IG) for all show updates
Akaraka play at The Substation, Naarm (Melbourne). 20-23 March. Ticket link: https://thesubstation.org.au/program/akaraka
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