Eme Essien explains how hesitation is an enemy to humans
Actress and rising star Eme Essien is set to debut her brand-new one-woman show, Flat shoes in the Club?, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022.
Tell us about your show, Flat Shoes in the Club.
It's a comedy theatre show where the audience is 'invited' into this "Girl's" bedroom as she is getting ready for her big night out! She keeps on getting interrupted throughout the night and it's through these funny interactions that we experience the private thoughts and how she is constantly trying to navigate her world of career, relationships, and career aspirations.
It's quite high energy with music to get you in the party mood but you also get an invite into her most intimate space.
How should we all start to embrace our mediocrity?
We all need to let go of perfection! Stop worrying about a full beat of makeup every day, ironed clothes, edges always laid etc. It's so boring and doesn't allow for individuality and we all need to start living wholeheartedly!!! ???
On a serious note, hesitation (for fear of nothing but excellence) has been such a hindrance for me and that coupled with imposter syndrome has meant that I haven't always been honest with myself in what I want to do or who I really am. We miss out on so much because we hold back until that thing we always wanted to do, or that idea that we have been meaning to or planning to start must be ready to show the world when it is perfected. It is ready now! In whatever shape or form is had begun so just go for it! Mediocre consistency over unachievable perfection any day!
Magical Bones is your brother. What's it like having a sibling in showbusiness?
It's great to have someone who has so much more experience than me and who I trust to give me pure unfiltered honesty. I am just waiting for the stage where I can use his name to get me freebies or at least queue jump!
Who inspires you?
My brother for sure (broski!). Other successful Black women who have encouraged me to follow a path even through all the naysayers and doubters. I will big up these woman all day long! Kelechi Okafor, Michaela Coel, London Hughes, Gina Yashere, Clara Amfo to name a few.
What does the future look like for Eme?
Let's get on the other side of Edinburgh first but the immediate future looks like me colour coordinating my kitchen pantry. It is soooo satisfying!
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