Helen Edmundson on adapting 'Small Island' for the stage

Edmundson suggests there is a “freedom” to writing adaptations that requires you to think differently. Edmundson describes the challenge of shortening or reworking character stories. Edmundson explains the significance of direct address and its link to the personal stories the characters tell. Edmundson describes the importance of the close working relationship she had with Andrea Levy. Edmundson and Levy made a conscious decision to keep challenging scenes and moments in the play.