News

My interview with Hervé: Do you hear the roars at the theatre?

CPH POST catches up with one of drama’s hottest new stars

Eric Maganga

Danish-Ivorian actor Hervé Toure’s theatrical show ‘Do You Hear The Roars Outside This Building?’ was initially performed at Union KBH this winter.

The story of the leader of a fictional African nation is a conversation-starter.

After Union decided to welcome the show back in June, we caught up with Toure to speak about his vision.

How did you get the idea for the play? 

I am not a hundred percent sure. But when looking at it in retrospect, I know that it has been in the making since my teenage days – I just didn’t have the language for what I was seeing, hearing and experiencing. I was also surprised that it was rare for people outside the continent to know about these kinds of stories. 

What are your goals with the play? 

My goal with the play is to create a debate. We don’t need to agree, but I want to create a bridge of understanding. Because ‘Do You Hear The Roars Outside This Building’ shows a different narrative. I want to challenge people’s worldviews. And I want people to know that we can make a huge difference as individuals. I also want to inspire others to make similar plays, because we need more stories like this. 

What were your thoughts behind choosing a one-man show? 

I want people to be in the skin of Saam Deetrys, experiencing his thoughts and emotions, discovering each revelation while having their own. I think a one-man show was the best way to do that. But with that said, while there is just one man on stage, it is definitely not a one-man show. I will be interacting with the voice-play of the gifted Karim Theilgaard, who plays the different roles of the Western Media and the Heads of State. The effects and sounds will get you in the mood as well. 

Did you learn anything from the first run?

Yes! I realised that people are ready to participate in the debate and ready to share their knowledge on the subject or just learn and try to understand. And that is the purpose of the play. Each time I do the show I learn more about the subject and the nuances of the show by talking to the people who have seen the show. I am appreciative of that and encourage the audience to reach out afterwards, because I will visit other countries with the show – initially other Scandinavian countries. 

Why should people come to the show? 

We need more voices in the debate, if not more so than a bigger understanding. I think this play will challenge your worldview and make you think about the news you consume. It will make you think, feel and consider the ‘why’. 

Is there anywhere else people interested in seeing your work can catch you? 

I would appreciate it if people would join me on my Instagram page and my website. If there is some content you find interesting, or something you want me to explore, let me know: it doesn’t have to be the same subject. I have a movie coming out this year called ‘Wake up with Denmark’ by Joseph Palau, a director and scriptwriter who can turn pages into magic.

Early bird tickets are available via this link: 

TOP STORIES

  • Bestselling author of ‘The Year of Living Danishly’ Helen Russell on why she moved back to the UK after 12 years

    Bestselling author of ‘The Year of Living Danishly’ Helen Russell on why she moved back to the UK after 12 years

    After more than a decade living in Denmark, Russell shares why she made the move, how she’s coping, what she already misses, and the exciting new projects she’s working on. “It’s been a very tough decision. I love Denmark, and it will always hold a special place in my heart,” she says.

  • Denmark launches first AI supercomputer

    Denmark launches first AI supercomputer

    The new Gefion AI supercomputer is one of the world’s fastest and will accelerate research and provide new opportunities in Danish academia and industry.

  • Navigating big love, big moves and big feelings

    Navigating big love, big moves and big feelings

    Experts believe it takes seven years to move into a new culture, according to leading Danish psychologist Jette Simon and therapist Vibeke Hartkorn. For expat couples, the challenges of starting a new life together in Denmark can put pressure on relationships, but emotions-focused therapy can help.

  • More and more Danes are working after retirement age

    More and more Danes are working after retirement age

    Politicians debate a lot these days about when you can retire. The reality shows that an increasing number of Danes like to work, even if they can withdraw from the labor market. Financial incentives help.

  • Environmental activist fears death in prison if extradited to Japan

    Environmental activist fears death in prison if extradited to Japan

    Canadian-born environmental activist Paul Watson has been in prison in Greenland for almost 100 days awaiting an extradition decision for a 14-year-old offence against a Japanese whaling vessel that he calls a “minor misdemeanor”. The 73-year-old had previously passed through Ireland, Switzerland, Monaco, France and the USA without trouble, before Greenlandic police arrested him in July.

  • Denmark too slow to ease recruitment rules for non-EU service workers, say industry associations

    Denmark too slow to ease recruitment rules for non-EU service workers, say industry associations

    When the Danish government in January presented the first of its schemes to make it easier to recruit foreign labour from outside the EU, it was hailed by the healthcare and service sectors as a timely and important policy shift. But while healthcare changes have been forthcoming, the service sector is still struggling, say the directors of the industry association Dansk Industri and one of the country’s largest private employers ISS.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    On Friday 27 and Saturday 28 of September, The Copenhagen Post will be at International Citizen Days in Øksnehallen on Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Admission is free and thousands of internationals are expected to attend

  • Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Chisom Udeze, the founder of Diversify – a global organization that works at the intersection of inclusion, democracy, freedom, climate sustainability, justice, and belonging – shares how struggling to find a community in Norway motivated her to build a Nordic-wide professional network. We also hear from Dr. Poornima Luthra, Associate Professor at CBS, about how to address bias in the workplace.

  • Lolland Municipality launches support package for accompanying spouses

    Lolland Municipality launches support package for accompanying spouses

    Lolland Municipality, home to Denmark’s largest infrastructure project – the Fehmarnbelt tunnel connection to Germany – has launched a new jobseeker support package for the accompanying partners of international employees in the area. The job-to-partner package offers free tailored sessions on finding a job and starting a personal business.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs