When I was back in college four years ago, our tutors took
us to go see a production of Othello, created by the world renowned physical theatre
company Frantic Assembly. I was taken aback by its risk taking, storytelling
and integration of movement. I was inspired with this art form for its beauty,
its rawness and its masculinity. From watching this production, I did some
research into the company, and saw that they had a week long intensive training
programme specifically designed for males between the ages of 16-19. I applied
for this opportunity and was selected out of sixty others to participate where I
had an interesting emotional and physical journey. Being around my peers, I
found it difficult to discuss that I was gay, but was willing to say if anyone
asked. I seemed to had donned a macho persona which prevented me from being as
open as I normally was. It wasn't until after the week, chatting to a few of
the cast members that they already knew but just didn't care. IT was from then
on I became a lot more accepting of myself, and who I am. It was also a great
opportunity to taking my mind of the recent passing away of my mother which had
happened eight months prior. It made me more determined and even in the face of
adversity, I am still blessed with a positive attitude.
After working with Frantic, I then went on to excel in my
college course, finding inspiration from my fantastic tutors, my brilliantly
energetic class mates, and from my rekindled self-worth. I then applied to Drama Schools in and around
London and got places in varying levels in three out of the five prestigious
schools. I accepted an offer at East 15 to study Physical Theatre, what with
that being my first choice degree. It
was a difficult process at drama school, battling with a lot of personal
issues, and learning about the world, maturing and looking after oneself. Into my
first term in second year, I realised that this professional vessel of
education wasn't in fact the right place at that moment in time. Feeling like I
just wanted to cut loose from institutions, education, responsibility and
routine, I knew that I wanted to go travelling, and made the decision to leave
school at Christmas. I then ended up moving to London, sofa surfing, house
sitting, and crashing at friends’ houses whilst starting up a professional Drag
career. As time has told, I have been
investing in things appropriately and am now becoming something I only dreamed
I thought I would be.
It was an absolute pleasant surprise to receive a call from
the theatre company that kick-started my career to offer me paid professional
work. As it was around the time I had spent a number of weeks in depression, it
was just thing I needed to boost me back into a proactive and motivated fashion.
When going through the contract I realised that I shall be performing in The
Royal Opera House in July. For me, this is one of the proudest moments of my life;
four years ago I wouldn't have envisioned myself having the energy or inclination
to be on stage, let alone somewhere as prestigious as The Royal Opera House. It’s
going to be a long and intensive week, but I know I shall be feeling the
physical and mental benefits… My body’s yearning for some contact improvisation!
I am overwhelmed by the world at the moment, I feel like it
is gently cuddling me a nurturing me on the way to great things. The positivity
and love I am exuding and receiving is wonderful, and I couldn't be doing it
without all the support and kind words I receive from people. Thank you to
whoever reads these blog posts too, and takes a little time in their life to
follow my journey. I love you all.
‘We all deserve the best in life. If you don’t feel it has
come to you yet, have patience. It’s not about waiting, allow yourself to
ACCEPT that you deserve it.’
