I Wanna Be Yours

The experience of a young modern love in a big multicultural city is the subject of Melbourne Theatre Company’s May production I Wanna Be Yours, which is also part of the Company’s Education and Families Program. One of the stars - Oz Malik  - explains why he believes it is a must see for students and the general public.

What is I Wanna Be Yours about?

I Wanna Be Yours is about two people falling in love and navigating their intercultural relationship. It's about the political context that influences our subconscious. The difficulties, happiness, complexities all wrapped into one.

What were your thoughts when you first read the script?

I first thought, this is somebody I know. I connected with it straightaway because I had similar thoughts growing up when I was in relationships. The story of a young person dating in a multicultural city like London, is a lot like me. I was also drawn to how authentic the nature of the writing is, it’s so real.

What excites you most about bringing this play to audiences?

People are probably looking forward to a different experience when it comes to acting and theatre and shows, and this is a story that is relevant to Melbourne culture. I think a lot of diaspora in the South Asian community as well will love it. Students will love it and I hope it will get new audiences into the door.

How would you have felt if you had seen this play when you were a student?

If I saw this play when I was a student, I would've felt so proud. But also, seen. And I know that's what people hear a lot now – I want to be seen on theatre, I want to be seen on screen. And I think if this was out when I was a kid, it would have made life much easier.

It would have made my life seem normal and regular, seeing people like me having relationships. It would have made me realise I'm not alone in feeling like this. So my character of Haseeb is many, many people. And this is true of the other character in the play – Ella is many, many people as well.

What are you most looking forward to about working on this show?

I can’t wait to work with the Director Tasnim Hossain. I'm also looking forward to working in the institution of Melbourne Theatre Company and the great team we have assembled. I think it's a historical company and just to be able to perform and bring this story to students and people in Melbourne and across Victoria is massive.

The fact that these sort of stories are being told means a lot to me. And I know it means a lot to many other people as well. I’m very proud to put this story out there and I feel very lucky and fortunate to be telling a story that many young people and young people of colour have experienced.

I Wanna Be Yours features on the VCE Theatre Studies Playlist and is suitable for school years 9-12. 

It will play at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler from 11 — 27 May 2023 before hitting the road for a regional tour.
School bookings are now open. Visit mtc.com.au