The artistic director on his family, Korean spas, and running from the police during the Southall riots
B orn in London, Kwame Kwei-Armah, 51, appeared in the BBC drama series Casualty for five years. In 2003, he wrote his first play for the National Theatre, Elmina’s Kitchen, which was shortlisted for an Olivier award. In 2011, he joined Baltimore’s Center Stage theatre as artistic director, where he spent seven years. This year, he became artistic director of London’s Young Vic theatre; his first production, a musical Twelfth Night, runs until 17 November. He is married, has four children and lives in London.
When were you happiest?
When my mother was alive. She passed away 14 years ago.
What is your earliest memory?
Going shopping with my mother, to Southall market, when I was about four.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Getting anxious before a first night. I can’t bear it.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
What I perceive to be unmotivated or unwarranted anxiety, so it’s really the same thing that I hate in myself.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Listening at the door of a girl I fancied and hearing her totally rip me apart. I was standing there with my brother, about to go in and be smooth. It was horrible.
Property aside, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
A family holiday – anywhere the kids demand.
