writing A PRACTICAL GUIDE (15 - 19 April & 2 - 3 May, Tara Theatre) ... a reflection

Devising requires trust, collaboration, and presence - qualities our culture formed by capitalism often leaves little room for, and funnily enough, that mirrors how I believe we need to approach climate change: with collective thinking, space for all voices, and a willingness to be uncomfortable together.
Over five weeks, we held five three-hour sessions. We brought a simple story setup into the room, each young company member formed characters through devising exercises, and conversation prompts. Between sessions, I wrote scenes in response to what emerged. The process was adaptive and responsive.

Writing this play in four weeks was intense - I had no time to second guess myself, I wrote on instinct, but it felt possible because of the honesty, safety, and care in the room held by Gavin – big up, what a legend. I've spent years writing about climate change and working with young artists, this project brought those two together, and it's reinforced my belief in the power of collective creativity.
At the same time, I've been working with London Bubble Theatre to devise a film with participants from their older adult's programme. Both projects have reaffirmed my belief that theatre is not just about performance; it's about building trust, deepening relationships, and being a bit silly together.Capitalism taints our ability to relate – it's often touted that love is earned through productivity, that people are disposable, that independence is strength. But collective liberation, one of the tools I believe we can harness to battle climate change, demands something different: the ability to be in relationship, to build trust, to repair conflict. I think we have achieved this in the making of A PRACTICAL GUIDE… the process reminded me that relational skills are liberation skills. Change begins with how we show up for one another.