Introducing the #Humankindness cast: Sam Ross

We've already announced the official cast of Humankindness - the vegan and non-vegan who will be working together to create the show. Now it's time to meet them individually and learn more about them! Next up, our non-vegan performer Sam Ross...

Name: Sam Ross

Ethical Leaning: Pescetarian (i.e. a vegetarian who eats fish)

Training: I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in English and Theatre.

What might we have seen you in?: I created a solo show called can't stop can't stop (as Sam Does Theatre), which explored what it feels like to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It has been performed at the National Student Drama Festival, and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (where it was shortlisted for both the Total Theatre Emerging Artist Award and the Mental Health Fringe Award).

Fun fact: I'm a big fan of penguins, Musical Theatre and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Why do you choose to keep eating dairy?: For me I think milk as a product is ethically neutral - it's how it's produced that is controversial. Humans have consumed dairy for thousands of years, and it's only in the last couple hundred years with the mass industrialisation of milking that it's become problematic and more inhumane. It's kinda alarming therefore when veganism threatens to overturn this entire food culture. That's just what I think though.

Anything about Humankindness you're most looking forward to?: I'm keen to talk with dairy farmers to get their thoughts and feelings on the ethics of milk production and how they treat their cows. Also can't wait to get into the rehearsal room and start developing this cool playful show with Clare Pooley!