Grace Saif (Kala) trained at RADA. Theatre includes: Ballet Shoes (National Theatre); Sea Creatures (Hampstead Theatre); Athena (Yard Theatre); Antony & Cleopatra (Gate Theatre); The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Donmar Theatre); Mary Stuart (Almeida); When You Cure Me, A Bitter Herb, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Macbeth, Hamlet, The Man of Mode, The Theban Plays, Girls and Dolls (RADA). TV includes: 13 Reasons Why, The Blame.
Spanning continents and decades, A Fine Idea travels from post-war idealism to today’s overlapping crises, unpicking the history of aid, power and good intentions. And confronting the question at the heart of it all: Do we really want to change things – or do we just like the idea of helping?
Written by ice&fire’s co-Artistic Director Christine Bacon, this provocative new play is inspired by political economist Jason Hickel’s bestselling book The Divide.
‘Without us here, though, can you imagine how much worse it would be?’
It’s 2024. After years circling the globe delivering aid, Jo has built a career supporting those most in need — a good person doing good things.
But 75 years after her grandfather got the idea of “international development” into President Truman’s inaugural speech, global inequality is worse than ever. Eight billionaires now hold the same wealth as the poorest half of humanity.
And when Jo meets an activist who is fighting with her life for her nation’s future, she can’t shake the feeling that the system she passionately believes in might be part of the problem.
Directed by Charlotte Westenra
In your own words, what is Christine Bacon’s A Fine Idea about?
A Fine Idea examines the relationships between global institutions such as the IMF and The World Bank, and the Global South. We follow this story through the eyes of Jo – a young, enthusiastic, wide-eyed NGO worker. It is set to the backdrop of the Finance Bill 2024 protests, predominantly staged by Gen Z Kenyans.
Please could you tell us about the character you play and how Kala fits in with the wider story?
Kala is a young Kenyan activist who is participating in these protests. Through various circumstances, she crosses paths with Jo, and through Kala, we get a more intimate understanding of the causes and goals of these protests.
Can you share a highlight from being part of A Fine Idea so far – from when you got the part to now? What are some of the moments that will stay with you forever?
For me, the most impactful part of the process has been the Kenyan activists and economists we have been able to speak to throughout the rehearsal process. And even more so, the Kenyans and Global Majority audience members. Sometimes it feels like the impact of the industry can drop off when it comes to real, tangible change. But meeting these individuals has given me hope that off the stage, there are people who are truly dedicating their lives to fighting these injustices and making a better future for all of us.
What are some of the big themes in the play that resonated with you personally?
As a Kenyan, the themes of this play hit home. I watched these protests in real-time back in 2024, again in 2025, and unsurprisingly this year. The indiscriminate police brutality, the short-sightedness. It weighs heavily on my mind and heart, and is not limited to Kenya alone. Anywhere there is a power imbalance between the Global North and the Global South, it is the everyday hard-working citizen who is punished the most.
A Fine Idea opened last week – how is it being received by audiences?
It has been really gratifying to meet and speak with audience members after the play has gone down. I’ve spoken to people from all over the world, and the common theme has been ‘I get it – this has been happening in my country too – these are conversations we need to be having’. I hope that through word-of-mouth, the challenges and the questions raised by this play continue to spread.
Could you share one bit of advice for a newbie to the industry?
I think this industry is changing too rapidly for me to give advice the way I could have five or 10 years ago. Cost of living, AI, cost-cutting, staff reductions, funding challenges, platform changes – all of these things have changed the landscape massively. I can only offer the advice of knowing why you want to do what you do, and holding onto that. Explore how many ways that can be expressed. The art you make for yourself is as valuable as the art you make for others. Feed your mind, that is also part of the art you make. Push yourself into real-world art communities. And finally – join a union!
QUICK FIRE
Who is the person that has had the greatest impact on your career that you would like to shout out now?
My secondary school drama teacher Mr Williams, and the whole drama department at Hazelwick School. Mr Williams opened my eyes to the way stories we devise for the stage and screen intersect with real-life world events. That grounded me in this craft and it’s something I try to hold on to no matter what I’m working on.
Last play you enjoyed as an audience member?
An Ideal Husband at Lyric Hammersmith, the whole cast was thrilling.
Finally, why should we come and see A Fine Idea?
You should come and see A Fine Idea if you want to have a better understanding of how our world works. To see how we are all interconnected with each other, no matter how far away or unrelated events in another part of the world might be. I think this play does a good job at breaking these large, inaccessible topics into bite-sized pieces.
NEED TO KNOW: A Fine Idea is playing at Arcola Theatre – 11 Jun – 4 Jul 2026 | 90 mins no interval | There will be the following post-show discussions:
- 23 Jun | Meet the cast
- 29 Jun | Let’s talk about debt
- 4 Jul | Q&A with Jason Hickel, author of The Divide and Less is More
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