Following the release of series two of audio-theatre series Hear Myself Think, The Indiependent caught Omolabake Jolaoso for a chat about the series, living as a person with a hearing impairment and coping with discrimination. Jolaoso stars as Bisi in episode three of the new series, which explores ableism in the modern world and the ways in which well-meaning friends and family can inadvertently make it harder to cope with.
How was the process of getting into the headspace of your character Bisi?
I read the script and instantly connected with Bisi, her journey. What it’s like for me as a deaf person – I was able to relate in a certain way but not completely so because of that, natural frustrations or inner voices were easily accessible. I also have been one of the friends, like Bisi’s friends who want to help out with Uber drivers etc so I felt that it was important I was a part of this project. I knew that this is for the world to know. For society to not be too inwards on themselves, and know that there are people who don’t always have it easy and consistently have to build themselves up each day.
In the episode, Bisi is frustrated with the sympathetic messages friends are sending to her after facing discrimination. That reaction might confuse some listeners. Can you explain why you think Bisi felt that way?
I’ll put it like this. Imagine that YOU have dealt with this type of discrimination since a VERY young age or if not from young, since something happened to you… everyday. You’re so used to it to the point where without realising you kinda dismiss it. But when it’s your friends, your inner circle that keeps bringing it up or giving it attention, it makes it more real, you may feel embarrassed or feel they are being dramatic but that’s when because of how they are reacting you start deeping it like rah what that Uber driver did…was not it. But because you go through your everyday life with at least one thing happening, you let it go over your head, and I think that’s why Bisi may have reacted that way – or an inkling to why. That’s how I reacted when people wouldn’t pull their mask down during COVID and my friends would message “hope you’re okay, they should’ve been more accepting?!” I was like… this is life now, when I didn’t know what the future of COVID was.
In your episode, the act of cooking a stir-fry is used as an analogy for life as someone facing ableism (you can get the same result, but you’ll just get there in your own way). How do you incorporate that into your life?
Society is the problem and not me, so to get to where I want to be in life, they will have to adapt to me. When there is no interpreter or they don’t ask if I want one. Society sees my disappointment and says next time we will definitely have an interpreter. It’s always about leaving a footprint so the next generation can find it, follow and not be lost. The next deaf person that comes along, society will know to provide an interpreter because of what happened before. I have a support bubble in the deaf community. It’s always a constant reminder that I’m not alone.
How would you describe the collaborative process between you, Blessing (writer) and Ezenwanyi? (director)
I didn’t get a chance to meet Blessing during the rehearsal process but Ezenwanyi always let me know what they both spoke about during rehearsals so in a way I felt Blessing was always there. It felt like such a safe space. I could completely let loose and have a go. We all wanted to represent and tell this beautiful story and we did in the end!
What are you looking to work on next?
More screen and theatre jobs and maybe more audio, I had so much fun so would love to do it again! Honestly anything that comes my way, I’m happy with!
Finally, what’s in your perfect stir-fry?
I LOVE spring onions in my stir fry so that’s a must. Chicken, broccoli and PEPPERS, I love spice!!
Words by Jamie Davies
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