The Ice at the End of The World is inspired by writer Katy Schutte’s recent real-life journey to the Arctic. Directed by Madelaine Moore its cast includes Eleanor Dillon-Reams, Judith Amsenga, Gian Carlo Ferrini and Katy Schutte.
We caught up with Amsenga who plays Laura to find out more about the play.
Q&A with Judith Amsenga
What can you tell us about The Ice at the End of World?
The Ice at the End of the World is a cosmic horror set on a tall ship where artists are gathered for a residency in the Arctic Circle. As the days grow longer and they are on the open seas, cut off from the outside world, increasingly strange and horrifying things start to happen. It’s an atmospheric 75 minutes in the theatre that transports the audience to a world of ice, untouched nature and otherworldly, (super)natural powers. So far, audiences have been raving about it! Oh, and there are ice bears and butter cake!
When did you first become aware of the story behind the production?
I know Katy Schutte, the writer, who took her own Arctic residency as a springboard for the story, and I was immediately intrigued. It is obviously a largely fictionalised story, but bringing a cosmic horror set in the Arctic to a London stage – yes please!
How have you approached Laura as a character?
Having sadly no experience as an Arctic guide, I did all kinds of research into that world and made myself familiar with the job and the Arctic that way. Katy Schutte was also a great resource in that she was able to share stories on the person who was her guide and on who the character of Laura is loosely based. As a little personal bonus, Laura is Dutch, like me, so I have the chance to be delightfully Dutch and direct on stage!
Is it a challenge to create a sense of this environment on stage?
Totally – it is obviously, literally, thousands of miles removed from London in so many ways and at times it was difficult to envisage how it would all come to life in our rehearsal room in south London. But with the help of an ingenious set, a brilliant movement director, our Arctic costumes (it’s a very sweaty show for the actors, ha!), and a truly incredible and mesmerising sound and lighting design I can confidently say we have come remarkably close!
Is there anything you hope audiences take away from the show?
Well, it’s a cosmic horror, so hopefully they’ll by suitably spooked! The play also touches on themes such as the meaning of art and being an artist, and the way humans have impacted our natural world in a detrimental way. It’s a play that makes you think and really invites you to delve into your imagination. All with a good dollop of belly laughs!
Judith Amsenga on The Ice at the End of World is at Omnibus Theatre until 12 October
