Supported using public funding by Arts Council England
You, Me and My Voice (YMMV)
‘A polyphone of joy and frustration’ and ‘Strong, charming and a call to arms!’{Audience member: 2019}
‘Creative, imaginative and smart You, Me and My Voice has a savvy eloquence.’ {Theatre Review – PRSD*}
The work: absent or maybe just late from his own show, Hugh’s three friends are busying themselves on a minimalistic stage. With lighting desk, wires and ques all visible, DIY and improv are the heartbeat of this honest and raw narrative. What follows is a chaotic, ironic and farcical makeshift one-hander performance, intertwining rage, negotiations, laughter, friendship and hope. Framed within a black box, ‘traditional’ theatre setup, audiences are invited on a roller-coaster of emotions, breaking hegemony, connecting us on a human level.
YMMV is the cornerstone to my practise. Originally developed as a creative response to disruptive, disempowering medical-assessment, I devised this original piece of theatre to protest the medical model of disability. Since then, it has evolved into a dynamic, rich story telling experience, allowing audience members to connect with artists around the stimulus of ‘who gets heard the most and why'. From the moment that ACE funding was announced YMMV (and my practise) has been on an extraordinary journey: networking with organisations and venues, establishing my practise within the south-west, building long-lasting relationships with collaborators and artists, and becoming a platform to challenge hegemonic views and raise fundamental questions about how we listen to each other.
You, Me and My Voice (YMMV) is a semi-autobiographical, raw piece of theatre, exploring speech, talking, listening, communicating, sharing, bonding… and what happens when these fundamental aspects of life become the biggest barrier to living. Underpinned by the rich push and pull of shared/lived experience, YMMV initiates dialogue around accessibility, diversity and inclusivity. Performances sought to disrupt theatre ‘norms’, inviting audiences into autobiographical narrative, soundscape and shadow-play to challenge and invite commonality.
Tour and information pack available here.
This constantly evolving creative expression of self, friendship and voice has already toured to multiple venues throughout south Devon including Theatre Royal Plymouth and Exeter Phoenix. We are looking to evolve the platform YMMV can be shared upon and capturing the essence of this original piece through digital media.
Key collaborators: Steve Sowden, Erin Walcon, Jennifer Noice, Sophie Amos.
With thanks to Sam Parker; Sandy Akerman, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Doorstep Arts, Animate.
YMMV Evaluation Report - building upon ACE required evaluation, this document is a researched, perfected, developed and comprehensive evaluation - analysing and unpicking the successes and realities of independently touring a live production in the South West. It is hoped that this report will offer learning for both venues and local artists alike, shining much needed light on the institutional barriers that are preventing original work being showcased - through collaboration, networking and action these barriers are starting to crumble, however, we need to stand together as one to ensure they are fully eliminated.