#1 Staying Home
When the Prime Minister told the country that people should avoid pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, he plunged the arts and culture sector into sudden crisis mode. As he said it, it felt like an aside, as though it wasn't really on his script, rather, he was listing places we should avoid in an improvised ramble. I was at home in my flat, watching the TV, and like most, was stunned. There was no guidance for venues, no prior communication, and with no obligation to actually shut, no assurances on the financial obligations of insurers.
We had already taken the decision at Leeds Playhouse to pause our activity for older people, which usually forms the core part of my role there, but the prime ministers announcement meant we had to bring this suspension forward a week with a day to do so. We set about phoning over 200 members of our regular project Heydays and also posted each one a letter, along with advice on coronavirus, contacts for every postcode in Leeds with support for older people, a creative writing task, drama games to play over the phone, and a play to read. It was a mammoth task, but necessary and brilliant. I went home from the theatre. I still haven't been back.
The following Monday the Prime Minister announced the full lockdown in his address to the nation. By this point I had moved in with my partner so we could see the crisis through together. I'm still there now, and like everyone, I've been staying home and playing a game of just how much gin is too much gin. I've also been teaching myself to watercolour paint, and keeping in contact with friends via snail mail. I'm currently furloughed from the Playhouse, and all my various freelance contracts have come to an end. All the companies I worked with honoured their contracts, so big love to them, particularly the formidable Red Ladder.
#2 MA in Applied Theatre and Intervention
Whilst in lockdown I have moved my supervision of students on the MA in Applied Theatre and Intervention at the University of Leeds' School of Performance and Cultural Industries online. Working with the students has been a real joy. Each project is unique, asking difficult questions for Applied Theatre, and I'm equally excited to read the final pieces.
#3 Advocating for Self Employed Creatives
I have also been taking time to do what I can for those in our community that have been abandoned by the government with no financial support. Inspired by others around the country I started a Leeds Creatives Coronavirus Impact Fund. Through the generosity of the people of Leeds and beyond I've been able to distribute a number of micro grants to self employed and freelance people in the arts and culture sector of Leeds who have suddenly found themselves without any income. The fundraiser is ongoing, so if you have any spare cash, please do consider donating.
You can also read this piece I put together for Culture Vulture, writing about why theatre matters in a crisis and introducing the impact fund, and hear me going into more detail on the podcast The Half here. Earlier this week I was interviewed by Radio Aire News for my reaction to the chancellors announcement that the SEISS would be extended. Of course, the problems still remain for the 150,000 people left off the scheme, and I'll keep doing what I can to advocate for them.
I hope you are all keeping well and safe, and do keep in touch over the coming weeks. If you aren't already in touch and want a virtual coffee (or gin) let me know!
Big love,
Sam
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