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Interview with Syncopation Director Karen Jemison

Allan Knee's ballroom play Syncopation is set to join London's packed dramatic lineup at Bridewell Theatre this March. We sat down with the show's Director Karen Jemison to talk about recreating a 1912s New York, musical production, dance and more...

A man and a woman in formal attire are dancing gracefully. The man, in a black tuxedo with a white bow tie, holds the woman's hand above his head while gazing into her eyes. The woman wears an elegant teal dress, her hair styled in an updo. They stand against a neutral white background.
Syncopation London

Hi Karen, how did Syncopation first come onto your radar and what about the project attracted you?

I actually saw a production of Syncopation in Australia in 2010 and remember being completely enchanted by it… so much so I went back to watch it again. I think what really resonated with me was the beautiful writing and storytelling, and watching the characters grow and develop both as individuals as well as together. And a play with ballroom dancing is very rare so that was the cherry on the top!

A happy couple holds hands and smiles at the camera. The man has short, wavy hair and is wearing a light shirt with a dark vest and tie. The woman has long, wavy hair and is wearing a light blouse and dark skirt. They stand against a light-colored background.
Syncopation 2024

As a former competitive ballroom dancer, how have you integrated your experience into the story/ creative direction?

My background is dance (and ballroom dancing), so this is one area of the production that had to be perfect. Not so much the ballroom technique (although I will be watching out for those heel leads!) but that the characters could grow as dancers and by the end of the play, create something truly beautiful together. This meant that I was looking to cast exceptional dancers… in a play! I also tend to work really closely with choreographers to make sure that dance and movement is part of the storytelling, not an add on, so working with Jenny Thomas is a dream.

Syncopation is set in 1912 in New York, how have you gone about bringing the era and city alive at Bridewell Theatre?

Not to give away too many secrets, but let’s just say that some of the scenes take place on Coney Island and audiences may just see a Ferris wheel on the stage! And the Ragtime music really adds to the era and New York feel.

A vintage-style poster featuring the title Syncopation by Allan Knee in bold, distressed font. The background displays a sepia-toned cityscape with American flag elements, including stars and stripes, blending into the urban scene.

The production mixes together a ‘blend of theatre, music and dance’; how have you balanced these powerful creative mediums?

Generally, I direct musicals so the addition of music, singing and dancing to the play was very natural to me. Together with our wonderful musical director Fiz Shapur we have chosen all of the songs for the show (which is played live) and Fiz has created all the musical arrangements, so it is perfectly integrated and blended into the production.

The show is led by Devon-Elise Johnson and Jye Frasca; how have they adapted to the roles of protagonists Anna and Henry?

To begin with, it was about casting true triple threats as these roles are tough! The actors barely leave the stage, not to mention the physical demands of the show with all that dancing. Devon and Jye are so talented and when I saw them read for the role I knew we had found the perfect pair!

A group of six people, three in the front and three in the back, are smiling and posing for a photo against a plain wall. They appear to be happy and enjoying each other’s company.
The Syncopation Team

What is interesting you in the world of dance right now? What’s caught your attention?

For me at the moment, it is all about ballroom dancing and I am so excited that this play will open in the UK, where there is Strictly Fever! For the past couple of years I have attended the Blackpool Dance championships where the best in the world compete. It is so inspiring watching these amazing couples and the feeling they create on the dancefloor is pure art. Now it’s up to Anna and Henry to recreate that emotion at the Bridewell!