The next edition of our INVEST Artist Takeover, featuring writer and theatremaker, Carley Magee is here!
This feature gives our INVEST artists the opportunity to share their experiences, creative journey, and insights from the programme in their own words.
This INVEST Artist Takeover features writer and theatremaker, Carley Magee.
Carley Magee INVEST Artist Takeover:
What have you been working on through INVEST (or otherwise) Carley?
“When I applied to the INVEST Fellowship as a writer and theatremaker, I had been stuck in a cycle of just writing. I applied with the idea to explore work that can be created off the page, or a new format of creating new material to then write from, or a completely different presentation when it came to script.Â
So I did exactly what I dreaded- I got out of my comfort zone and pushed my limits.
I tragically flopped at a clown workshop in Liverpool presented by award winning theatre company “Ugly Bucket”, (no seriously I did not get a single laugh). I attended the Tinderbox & Abbey Theatre Space and Writing workshop, again, having to create off the page and instantly respond to my surroundings.
I reflected on what I was trying to achieve by exploring and interacting with work that I had no previous experience in whatsoever. I began to see shows unlike anything I’d seen before; political clown shows, comedy cabarets, and gorgeous drag shows. I saw twenty one shows in total through my INVEST bursary, in London, Galway, Prague and Belfast. I began to expand on the limitations of my work by seeing what could be achieved from other artists.
I took what I’ve learnt over these past months and workshopped with director and fellow INVEST artist Emma Copland, to see if I could put all this material and new skills I’ve learnt to the test. With great restraint I tried to do as little pre-planning as possible- I wanted to see if I could generate ideas through movement without preconceiving it on the page.
Was I still uncomfortable? Of course, but I was also invigorated and challenged. Did I make a show in a day? Of course not, but I tried, and I failed and I learnt. At the end of the day I was able to discern what it was I wanted to create, and why, instantly. Emma was an incredible director and facilitator, to bring her on board for a workshop with me was an invaluable process.
I’ve changed as an artist; for the better. I’ve built resilience and confidence to have the clarity to now go on to make the work that I am passionate about.”
Any upcoming projects, performances of exhibitions coming up?
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed with funding applications!”
Tell us about some insights or takeaways from your INVEST mentorship.
“Specifically with INVEST, Steven Atkinson is an incredible mentor, he is open and receptive to what you need as an artist to advance your career. His expert guidance and insight was key for planning how I was going to make the most out of my INVEST Fellowship. Our meetings left me creatively recharged and ready for anything. The whole team at TDNI have been brilliant, and so thoughtful. Throughout my journey I have been so supported by them, and my fellow INVEST artists; Paula, Nathan, Kate, Emma, Emily and Karis, who have cheered me on. It has been a joy to get to know all these amazing creatives better and see their journey.
But if we’re talking about mentors – I have to shout out my longtime mentor Karis Kelly (also on INVEST) for being an all round incredible artist and class human. Being a part of the Front & Centre Symposium was such an honour. Also getting to work again with Emily Foran (another INVEST artist) was brilliant – holds a room beautifully and creates great synergy.”
Anything else exciting you’d like to share?
“I suppose you couldn’t really call this exciting, but throughout these past months I have used INVEST as an excuse to connect more with my peers here in Belfast. Whose work I heavily admire, and who gave me their time to have a chat and give advice over coffee. It has filled me with so much optimism about the community here; good people are so willing to share what they have, and champion others. If anything, a major takeaway is how genuine artists are here. It’s exciting to me that people here are so open to meeting me (sometimes as a complete stranger) and share their experiences.”