Interview: Actor Owen Chaponda on new musical THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND
If you're looking for an uplifting new musical based on a true story, then look no further than the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, which is making its West End premiere @sohoplace following an acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon. Adapted from William Kamkwamba's memoir and Chiwetel Ejiofor's film of the same name, it's the tale of a courageous young boy who dreams of saving his village.
We spoke to Owen Chaponda, who plays Mike Kachigunda/Blessings, to find out more about what the production has in store.
What has your journey with this musical been like so far?
My journey with this musical has been surreal. The fact that we get to tell a story about a kid from my home country, Malawi, is something only dreams are made of, what an incredible time to be alive and give this gift to the world. I’m in awe of the cast, creative team and crew. There's so much passion involved, it’s hard not to be inspired.
Why do you think this story is so important to tell?
It shows us to never underestimate the power of a small community, It's inspiring how a single story from a tiny village can echo across the globe. Small places hold massive potential to change the world, quietly unfolding stories that prove we are all connected, they educate us to give back to these communities, there are so many Williams out there waiting to be discovered. And this story is just one of example of how beautiful a child’s mind is and how sometimes the biggest change starts from the smallest beginnings.
Can you tell us a bit about the roles you're playing?
So I’m playing Mike Kachigunda, one of the teachers who aided William in his pursuit and hunger to help his community, Mike is 21 at the time and secretly dating William’s sister, which I believe meant that he naturally has a deeper connection to William than most teachers would, and there’s safety there for William.
Another role I play is Blessing who is one of the Mphala boys, a rough club house boy with a cheeky charm to him and a bit of street edge.
On top of these roles I am also Co-Dramaturg on the project, helping with script and story development culturally, ensuring that we are bringing the story as close to the roots of Malawi as possible in accuracy and authenticity.
What sort of music can audiences expect to hear in this show?
The type of music to get you up on your feet and transport me back home.
Are there any other true stories that you'd like to be involved in bringing to the stage in the future?
Beyond the grand narratives of figures like Mansa Musa or James Brown, I am deeply compelled to bring smaller, intimate true stories to the stage, stories that have quietly transformed communities and, ultimately, the world. I want to dive into narratives that speak to the heart of humankind, showing how incredible we can be when we put our faith in one another to change the world. I think telling these stories on bigger platforms gives us that broader reach. Specifically, I am looking for stories of faith in action: stories driven by love, unity, and the transformative power of community, rather than division. I believe these stories are essential for showing our shared potential.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind plays @sohoplace until 18 July, with tickets available here.