Scratch That, Reflections on Taking New Work to Brixton

Last night saw the first attempt by a bunch of theatre makers to take their work away from the Central School of Speech and Drama in an attempt perhaps to expose ideas to a new place, a new situation or condition. It was, a success in many ways and although lacking the sort of audience, the crowd necessary to breathe life into the work - I for one was proud and terrified, as well as all too aware of what such a night can come to mean.

This comes back to a lot of reflection of late about the artistry to my practice, what it means I suppose to be a director, a performance maker, a practitioner of the dramatic art. I was there as writer and director, even as the night rolled on, as performer...(more on this later). I had worked with two performers who in my opinion are sensationally successful and generous in their approach and engagement. We were there to test and play with our piece, 'The Bed' as well as to support the work of new makers, Ophelia, Jon and Liz - as well as Karol's film and Jamie's spontaneous piece and the charm of Transylvanian folk music. Something happened which inspired me - something that I noticed as new, I was here making work - bringing my work to an audience - allowing my art to be considered away from the relative safety of the institution. It felt massive - I felt a fear I haven't felt, I felt serious about my display as a performance maker and yet was also there to socialise with my peers, to have a drink and a cigarette and be involved in the venue and the activity of conversation.

'The Bed' itself will now evolve massively as a direct result of last night and we three will rework it for a performance in January/February - this excites me. I do just wish that more people take note of the benefit this night, Steve's endeavours and energy can have - if only there were 30 people in that room the room would have felt different. I do hope that there is a way to support this night in the future - to get a profile that is not based on succeeding commercially but about succeeding amongst ourselves and in supporting each other.

I have a lot to consider over this month, a lot to decide upon and to conclude - what happened last night is in many ways the catalyst to this thought.

There is also, the small recollection of being on stage and performing, yes performing the words of Jamie who was provoked to write a monologue for me - "about" pre-menstrual (contributed by Geraldine). So to round off the night, sort of. I had to sit before a microphone and address my audience, sight reading a text that was handwritten. (I attach it here). It was great actually, to be that involved, to be stating my involvement by going with the energy, the provocation. I urge more of this work, no matter how broad or even how "good or bad" it is - the sheer force of making new work, drawing new connections and staking a claim on this cultural landscape of production in London is massively important