With the recent announcement of Emma Rice as the new AD at The Globe I was inspired to dust off some old Kneehigh plays and have a read. I was indeed warmed with inspiration- even just from the foreword!! So I wanted to share some of her words...

"There is no formula to the way we make theatre. However, it always starts with the story. No, it starts before then. It starts with an itch, a need, an instinct.

Each story in this collection started with an itch. Each one is raw, relevant and personal. Stories have an ability to present themselves, to emerge as if from nowhere. But they never are from nowhere. This is the seminal moment of instinct. This is when your subconscious stakes its claim and intervenes in your carefully ordered life. I sit up when a story taps me on the shoulder. I respect coincidence. I listen to impulse. One of my most hated questions when making theatre is: why? 'Because,' I want to answer. 'Because...'

For me, making theatre is an excavation of feelings long since buried, a journey of understanding..

In my experience, our basic needs and desires are the same- to be communicated with, to be delighted, to be surprised, to be scared. We want to be part of something and we want to feel. We want to find meaning in our lives.

The event of live theatre offers a rare opportunity to satisfy all of these needs. We can have a collective experience, unique to the group of people assembled in the theatre. I don't want 'the fourth wall' constantly and fearfully placed between the actors and their audience. I want the actors to speak to their accomplices, to look at them, to respond to them. I want celebration, a collective gasp of amazement. I want the world to transform in front of the audiences eyes and demand that they join in the game. Theatre is nothing without the engagement of the audience's creativity.

[In reference to the selection of Kneehigh plays].. these texts represent just one layer of the worlds that Kneehigh creates. As you read, close your eyes from time to time. Let a tune drift back from your childhood or recall a painting that made your heart pound. Remember falling in love or loosing control, leaving a loved one or laughing until you cried. Now the work lives. Now there is a connection. Now there is meaning."

Emma Rice, 2005

In a workshop I attended for directors at the Gate Theatre in London last year Emma passed on a piece of advice that I will always remember: fear and competition are two elements you need to eliminate from your rehearsal room as soon as possible. And afterwards I was struck by how successful she was at doing so; and in turn creating a genuine, positive and open atmosphere for play. She is spectacularly good at putting people at ease before throwing down a challenge. And encouraging an attitude that anything is possible...

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NOW THERE IS MEANING