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  Rhiannon
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A Solo show?

7/5/2018

1 Comment

 
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Recently I have been thinking about creating a solo show.  At first I was thinking about creating a show for someone else but now I have got to the stage where I am thinking I will create one for myself.

My natural comfort zone is definitely creating work for larger cast groups and therefore the concept of a solo show has always been in the back of my mind as the ultimate challenge. 

I remember in Namibia I choreographed a short solo for a male dancer, so I know it is possible.  This, however, will be far more personal.

The Benefits

The benefits of having a one-woman show are obvious.  I can rehearse in my own front room without having to make lots of bookings and arrangements with studios and cast.  I can be self-reliant.  Once I have created the show, as long as I have childcare, I can perform whenever and wherever.  Also the money side of making theatre makes a lot more sense if I am the sole cast member.  Oh, the problems of trying to get budgets to work for larger casts and the stress of not always getting the funding.  This way I will only ever have to deal with my own disappointment.

Let's face it, bringing up a child does not bring in a great salary and benefits package so I need to spend more time making budgets work. 

Research

I know that I need to spend some time watching solo shows especially those featuring female artists.  There are two shows I am currently excited about watching; Bryony Kimmings new solo show at Battersea Arts Centre in October, I'm a phoenix, bitch (I must book!!) and Yvette, which is in London for the next couple of weeks at a few different venues.  I think it is at Camden People's Theatre this week.  Let me know if anyone also fancies going at some point?!  If anyone can recommend any other solo female shows then I would love to hear them.

EDIT: Here is the link for Yvette at CPT.


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Sociable

Part of the reason I love working with groups is that after spending time taking care of my son all week I need to see and talk to other grown ups.  And to be honest I would prefer if that chatter wasn't just about children.  The great thing about Mr President is that the cast are such a great mix of people who are all so interesting with the things they have done and are doing.  I love spending time with them all and just chatting.

I'm guessing making a solo show will mean more time alone, which I like too but I definitely need to balance it with other projects or just going out for a drink with other  people.

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Getting Serious

So the idea of doing a solo show I had been mulling over in my head for quite some time but what happened this week made the idea become more serious.  I began thinking about something that happened in my past and I even started doing a little research into it.   Before too long not only had I found my subject matter but I had some music, ideas for projection, costume and a possible ending.

This is how it is with me.  If I think too much, sometimes without even intending to, I end up with a show going round in my head and now I even have some images for an ending.

However, I am not in any rush.  I am only going to do it if the right opportunity arises.  If I get a residency somewhere, a performance to work towards and funding.  Yeah right!  Also the subject matter won't be easy and therefore the timing that I do this is really important.

Whilst I say I am not in a rush, sometimes I find that once you have the idea, the idea itself has an urgency almost like the idea will die if you let it fester for too long.

If I do get round to making some solo material you won't now be too surprised.  I look forward to placing an invite into your calendars at some point in the next couple of years.  Look out for it!


1 Comment
Aaron Solomon link
17/9/2023 07:03:57 am

Thanks for a greaat read

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    Rhiannon's Blog

    Work:  The Promised Land (2018), Mr President (2018), Voodoo Child (2017), The Last Dance on Earth (2016), Baby (2016), The Legacy (2014) and She Walks in Beauty (2011). Performance maker and teacher.
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