Artist of the Month-February-Jennie Davies
This month's featured artist is Jennie Davies. You may have seen her in last year's VDAY, The Ends of the Earth, ODD, or Talking With. Known for her sparkling personality, Miss Davies is a pleasure to work with. She's very passionate about using theatre for good and using the theatre as a pulpit for important issues. If you have a chance to sit down and chat with her, please do. She's a very smart lady and well versed in her craft. You can catch her this month in VDAY on February 14.
1. Name, Birthplace, Age
Jennie Davies, England, 24
2. How does where you were raised affect your work?
I come from a small town just outside Liverpool with strong working class roots both in my surroundings and family life. This work ethic has definitely had an effect on how I work, as I believe in always giving 100%
3. Where did you train?
I trained at St Mary’s University London in Theatre and Performance and the London School of Comedy in stand up.
4. What is your favourite style of theatre? Why?
Political and feminist theatre which often goes hand in hand! I believe that theatre is a very powerful medium to explore issues that societies and cultures face today. Theatre has the ability to delve into ideas and truths that are considered taboo and key issues that often get neglected and overlooked. I love theatre that makes you second guess supposed truths or normalities. It can take just one scene to make you see things differently and possibly educate yourself and others. I do also love watching and performing comic pieces!
5. What was the best show you EVER saw?
Oedipus starring Ralph Fiennes at the National Theatre, London. The classic Greek tragedy retold sharply in modern times with Ralph ….wonderful!
6. What was the best show in HK you EVER saw?
A professional piece I saw at A.P.A last year, 4:48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane, I love her work and always enjoy the creativity that goes into directing and staging her work.
7. What piece of work are you the most proud of?
I think ODD, it was my first show I did in HK and it was all devised and we all had an absolute ball doing it! It was an ensemble piece and everyone bought something different to the table and I made some fantastic friends.
8. What is your process like?
I read the text fully and analyze it, pull out the main themes and ideas and any underlying tones the text may have. If I am doing comedy I always have to find the beats straight away, so that even when I am just reading the script I am still aware of the comic intention of my lines or the scene.
9. What is your dream project?
I would love to do anything by Caryl Churchill or an LGBTQIA piece, especially in HK where it is still an uphill battle for members of the LGBTQIA community in terms of equal rights. What better way to highlight this than in theatre?
10. If you could change one thing about the art scene in HK, what would it be?
I would say space which is a very common theme amongst members of the theatrical community. And space that stays open beyond 11.30/12, like Jennifer Fong said.
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