Thankyou, stranger

Influences.

As part of the artefacts and mapping section of the course we are encouraged to look at our influences and other established artists in our field of practise. 

As I have decided that my I am essentially, a storyteller, I have decided to look at those who influenced my practise in that way. Why did I decide to pursue a career in acting? Who made me want to perform? So as I believe in the power of gratitude, I'd like to say Thankyou to those people.

1. My second year project teacher. 

He saw straight through my 'I care loads but don't know how to put it into practise' front. I was a bit all over the place and he cast me in a role in a gender swapped 'Angels in America' that I felt wasn't 'me'. In hindsight that probably came from the fact it was a challenge. Safe to say it was a challenge I rose to. I met with a friend who has been in the year below me recently and the play came up. Finally I was able to take a compliment about the piece without cringing. 

So for that, thankyou.

2. Freddie Mercury

Of course, I did not meet Freddie Mercury. He actually died three years before I was born. However his story has influenced my entire outlook on life. I had always been a die hard Queen fan, in awe of the charismatic front man, however the film of his life 'Bohemian Rhapsody' touched me in ways I could never comprehend.

It may be that the actor playing Roger Taylor was an alumni of my youth theatre and I desperately wanted his success. More than likely it was I saw so much of myself in the lost creative who had so many visions but didn't always have somewhere to put them. I cried from about half an hour in, on and off, until the end. I couldn't put into words why. I now have a canvas of Freddie in my flat to remind myself 'I'm a performer darling, not a Swiss train conductor'.

Thankyou Freddie.

3. Walt Disney

Another man I never met but my entire life has inspired me to use my imagination. He is one of the most prolific storytellers of our time. You only need to walk through London's West End to see his influence in the theatres, films and music we listen to today. His genuine love of childhood stories and make believe inspired me to tell my own stories. It's magic and it knows no limits.

Thankyou for teaching me magic and keeping it alive.

4. Micheal Eavis

A living legend. Summertime Santa Claus. 

The Eavis family run Glastonbury Festival on Worthy Farm, Somerset. His ability to create an entire world that is there for a fleeting moment has always amazed me. The universal euphoria that comes from the music, theatre and mixing of cultures that Glastonbury has bought me throughout my teenage and adult years cannot be matched.

If I'm ever looking for a feeling of elation in an audition, it's the feeling I got looking through a sea of Lionel Richies whilst listening to 'All Night Long'.

For that Micheal, thanks a bunch.

Finally....

5. Shakespeare

William Shakespeare inspired me to become an actor. At aged 10 my grandma taught me Portia from Merchant of Venice' speech. Although I didn't fully understand what she meant by saying 'The quality of mercy is not strained' something about it stirred my soul. At aged 11 when I watched Baz Lurhmann's take on Romeo and Juliet I found myself transfixed. It set in stone my belief Shakespeare was relevant.

For your words, Thankyou.

My influence list isn't  black and white. I believe the magic is found in grey bits. Yes, I'm an actor, but a list of actors wouldn't make sense to me. Some actors inspire me, but so do some musicians, some artists, some directors. These are the people we write films and books about. They inspire me.
Who inspires you?