‘BLUSH’
‘BLUSH’ was written in response to reading an article about ‘revenge pornography’. I got mad geeky researching the effects of technology on the brain, and studying shame. ‘BLUSH’ explored the shame we feel at not living up to society’s defined gender roles, and how that can spill out sideways into acts of violence. We opened at the Big Belly, Underbelly, Edinburgh Fringe 2016. We enjoyed a successful run at London’s Soho Theatre and a National Tour.
Team: Performed by myself and Daniel Foxsmith. Directed by Edward Stambollouian. Designed by Seth Rook Williams (lights), Harry Blake (sound), James Turner (set) and Holly Rose Henshaw (costumes). Script support Sarah Dickenson. Movement direction by Polly Bennett. Produced by Jake Orr. Photo: The Other Richard.
Awards: Underbelly Untapped Edinburgh Season 2016. The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016.
Print: Published by Bloomsbury.
Special thanks to Pro Clare McGlynn and her brilliant work on Image Based Sexual Abuse. Also thank you to the amazing charity Tender.
Personal: What was hard: The material was dark, research was horrible at times. I’d accidentally written something really hard to perform, the dexterity and precision required was a daily practice. Again people often praised me solely, forgetting to credit the incredible creative team. I have never felt quite so exposed as when performing this show, proper naked! What I’m most proud of: I’m so very proud of this piece! I loved making it and performing it. I grew as both a writer and an actor throughout the process, pushing myself much harder than ever before. What I learnt: Simplicity is often golden, especially when everything else is so noisy. That you can have fun making something dark. How to take care of myself through the adrenaline roller coaster.