Reflection on Module 2

The RELIEF!


I have to admit, this has been the toughest module for me, both in terms of content and outside events (Life changing pandemic, anyone?) but I managed it, in spite of an incredibly stressful period in my life. Whilst writing my critical reflection I was able to come up with rather a lot of things that I had learnt during this period and also within the realms of module 2.

Firstly, I’ve written on my blog before about how I’ve adapted to the lockdown, and I suppose from the outside it’s looked like it’s been easy for me. In some ways, creatively it has! The radio hosting and editing (which I’ve never done before!) is certainly a new skill and string to add to my bow as an actor!  But on a personal level, it’s been very taxing and worries about how I’m going to sustain myself mentally and financially have been constant. Absolutely everything in my life has been affected including my finances, my mental health, even my wedding date! 👰🏻

However, I have also learnt a lot about myself as a person and performer, and a lot of my reflection was based on adapting and trusting myself and my abilities both on the course, and in general!

I spent a lot of time planning my inquiry, but I struggled to stay within the word counts and keep it succinct. Probably because I talk A LOT and  ✍️ I write creatively as a playwright. Descriptions and creative writing and academic writing for a research plan are hugely different. I had to be very strict with myself and edit myself constantly to keep things simple and clear on the plan!

My question fell into place quite easily, as I often think about my place within the industry and am very vocal about dodgy breakdowns and lack of representation of strong, multi-faceted women and non binary characters in theatre. This lingering feeling is what led me to write my Northern, female led play in the first place, which helped me feel in control of my own career and has made me much bolder and more vocal about this issue!

The facts are absolutely astounding! There’s a study by Purple Seven that I’ve linked here which I found absolutely staggering and yet, strangely unsurprising based on my experiences!

👉👉 http://purpleseven.com/media.ashx/gender-thought-leadership.pdf

Now that I’ve planned the inquiry, I am very excited to get on to Module 3 whether it be on Zoom or in person and talk to an incredible, diverse group of women and non-binary creatives and performers and find out the experiences and narratives behind those figures!

Renowned critic Lyn Gardner said ‘Why keep going to the theatre if you seldom see yourself reflected there?’

That really is a question that I believe deserves some more exploration!

Working on my female led play ‘Marathon For You’