The fact that 'Small Island' is 'period' is amazing for me because it's something that I've never been involved with before. Also, half my family is Jamaican and this story is essentially a story about Jamaican people, and it's portraying a part of history that I was not that familiar with myself.

The quote by Ashley Walters reflects both personal excitement and a deep cultural connection to the project Small Island. When he says, “The fact that 'Small Island' is 'period' is amazing for me because it's something that I've never been involved with before,” he expresses his enthusiasm at participating in a period drama, a genre he had not previously experienced. This highlights a sense of professional growth and curiosity, as period productions require actors to step into a different historical context and embody authenticity in a new way.

Walters continues by linking the project to his personal heritage, stating, “half my family is Jamaican and this story is essentially a story about Jamaican people.” This emphasizes a personal resonance with the narrative, as it aligns with his ancestral roots and family background. By participating in a story centered on Jamaican people, Walters is not only acting but also engaging with his own cultural history, adding an emotional layer to his performance.

He also notes that Small Island is “portraying a part of history that I was not that familiar with myself,” which highlights the educational impact of the project. Even with Jamaican heritage, Walters acknowledges that historical narratives—such as those surrounding migration, colonialism, and the Windrush generation—can remain underexplored within families and communities. His involvement in the story becomes a form of self-discovery, bridging personal identity with historical awareness.

The origin of this quote lies in Ashley Walters’s reflections on his role in the television adaptation of Small Island, based on Andrea Levy’s acclaimed novel. The story explores Jamaican migration to Britain, cultural identity, and post-war societal change. Walters’s statement captures the intersection of career opportunity and personal heritage, showing how acting in this period drama allowed him to connect with history, family identity, and cultural storytelling in a meaningful way.