I don't remember the very first time I went to the theatre, but one of the most influential pieces I've ever seen was "Woyzeck on the Highveld", one of the first productions by Handspring Puppet Company in Johannesburg, with William Kentridge's charcoal animation projections. The moving image, combined with live performance became an extremely powerful tool for holding a mirror up to the world, something which I have always found inspiring. The last piece prior to lockdown was Zinnie Harris' "The Duchess of Malfi" at Tramway.
In theatre we can escape from the trials and tribulations of the world, but we are also often encouraged to look deeper, take notice and make a difference.
"Would you take this seat?" stems from the ongoing Refugee tragedy of people fleeing conflict, having no alternative to placing themselves and their families in extreme danger.
The tactile act of creating, devising, making and watching performance together with other people is so unique, it can be emulated but not replaced by digital methods. Theatre thrives on tactile, human contact, nurturing community, acceptance and above all, empathy.
In theatre we can escape from the trials and tribulations of the world, but we are also often encouraged to look deeper, take notice and make a difference.
"Would you take this seat?" stems from the ongoing Refugee tragedy of people fleeing conflict, having no alternative to placing themselves and their families in extreme danger.
The tactile act of creating, devising, making and watching performance together with other people is so unique, it can be emulated but not replaced by digital methods. Theatre thrives on tactile, human contact, nurturing community, acceptance and above all, empathy.
