Originally a webcast, Dreaming Whilst Black is a British comedy series written by and starring Adjani Salmon. We at Survived The Shows had the chance to chat via email with Muna Otaru, who plays Stephanie. She discussed the role and her experience on the show. Check out the full interview below!
Can you tell us a bit about your character in Dreaming Whilst Black?
MUNA OTARU: Stephanie is friends with Grace, Kwabena’s mum. She is concerned about Dorvin and the new friends he’s hanging out with and elicits Kwabena’s help to look out for him.
What initially attracted you to your role in Dreaming Whilst Black?
MUNA OTARU: It was the first time I had seen a show put a magnifying glass on an archetypal character, Stephanie, as she and her son are swallowed up in the cacophony of the life surrounding them.
What do you think makes this tv show so special and captivating?
MUNA OTARU: It’s so relatable! It’s a reflection of many Black British people’s experiences through humour and honest examination
What do you hope audiences take away from watching Dreaming Whilst Black?
MUNA OTARU: Everyone is entitled to dream and it’s their birth right to follow that dream.
What was it like working with the rest of the cast on set?
MUNA OTARU: A breath of fresh air and a celebration! Oh man, the generosity of the cast! Jo Martin who plays Grace and Roger Griffiths who plays Uncle Claude were so open to my inquisitiveness and play and riffing on “Jamaican sayings”. I am so grateful to them!
It was also the most diverse crew I’ve ever worked with! Professional, talented and collaborative. It made for one of the most symbiotic experiences of my career. Special shoutout to the hair and makeup team – top tier!
What can you tease about your character’s journey?
MUNA OTARU: Time will tell.
What was your favourite scene or moment while filming Dreaming Whilst Black?
MUNA OTARU: The 1st scene I shot. The way the director, Jermaine Julien establishes Stephanie’s relationship with her son Dorvin (played by Daniel Ogbeide-John) in the garden. It was a simple and loving and set me off with a roadmap to follow.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while filming A Dreaming Whilst Black and how you overcame them?
MUNA OTARU: Stephanie’s introspective, quiet struggle amidst the hilarity of the show. I trusted in the truth.
Change of subject, What have been some of the most memorable projects you have worked on throughout your career, and why?
MUNA OTARU: I did a show called Broken created and written by Jimmy McGovern who I was a huge fan of before I worked with him. He is a brilliant story-teller. It was quite surreal especially because it was shot in Liverpool where I was born and hadn’t returned to since I was 3.
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