Second Thoughts opens Friday 23rd October at the Bread & Roses Theatre, exploring an intimate story that blends humour, vulnerability and reflection. Learn more about what you can expect:
1. What inspired you to create Second Thoughts?
Second Thoughts was inspired by conversations and experiences surrounding migration, particularly the belief that life abroad is automatically better than life at home.
Coming from Nigeria, I have encountered many people who see migration as a form of salvation, a route to better opportunities, fulfilment and a better life. But leaving home does not necessarily mean leaving behind your struggles, fears, regrets or identity.
The play asks: What happens when the dream you sacrificed everything for does not turn out as you imagined?
That question has become even more meaningful as we have taken Second Thoughts beyond Nigeria and into the UK. Our UK journey has allowed us to present the story to audiences in different communities and to see how people connect with its themes of migration, identity, belonging and the expectations surrounding life abroad.
2. How does the minimalist theatrical style enhance the storytelling?
The minimalist style allows the story and performer to take centre stage. Rather than relying on elaborate sets or technical effects, we use the actor, physicality, sound, movement and the audience’s imagination to create the world of the play.
It creates an intimate relationship between performer and audience while allowing the character’s thoughts, memories and emotional struggles to remain the focus.
We have found this particularly effective while touring the UK because the production can adapt to different venues and festival environments without losing its emotional impact.
3. Can you tell us more about the character’s journey?
The character’s journey is one of self reflection. He begins with the belief that migration and “abroad” represent hope and possibility, but gradually confronts the difference between the life he imagined and the reality he experiences.
He questions his decisions, sacrifices and expectations. The journey isn’t simply about whether leaving was right or wrong, but about recognising that life is rarely that straightforward.
Taking the production on tour across the UK has also allowed us to see how audiences interpret that journey differently depending on their own experiences of home, migration and belonging.
4. How do you balance storytelling and emotional depth?
The story always comes first. We wanted Second Thoughts to be emotionally engaging without becoming overly heavy or preachy.
There are serious themes, but also humour, vulnerability and humanity. We allow the audience to understand the character rather than telling them what to think about him.
If we can make audiences laugh, reflect and recognise something of themselves in the character, the emotional journey becomes more powerful.
5. What do you hope audiences take away?
I hope audiences leave with questions rather than simple answers.
I want people to reflect on their choices, expectations and assumptions about what constitutes a successful life.
For audiences who have migrated, I hope they recognise something of their own journey. For those who haven’t, I hope the play provides a deeper understanding of the emotional realities behind the decision to leave home.
Most importantly: “abroad” is not necessarily salvation, just as “home” is not necessarily failure.
6. What has been the most enjoyable part about creating Second Thoughts?
The most enjoyable part has been watching Second Thoughts grow from an idea into a production that is now travelling and connecting with audiences across the UK.
So far, our UK journey has taken us to Brighton Fringe, Scarborough, Colchester, Droitwich Spa and London, giving us the opportunity to perform in different venues and engage with audiences from different backgrounds.
Each stop has brought something different. We have seen audiences laugh at different moments, respond emotionally to different parts of the story and, most importantly, stay behind to discuss the themes of the play.
For me, that is one of the most rewarding things about theatre. You create something from your own cultural and personal experience, and then watch audiences make it their own.
I have particularly enjoyed seeing the Nigerian perspective at the heart of Second Thoughts become part of the wider UK fringe theatre conversation. It has been an exciting cultural exchange for us, and we hope to continue taking the production to more audiences and cities.
Thank you again to Rhombus Rota for the opportunity to talk about Second Thoughts. We look forward to sharing the Q&A and welcoming audiences to the production.
Second Thoughts opens Friday 23rd October at the Bread & Roses Theatre. Many thanks to Emmanuel Okocha for answering our questions. Book your ticket here!
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