My recent research has been within verbatim theatre pieces. I have very much been inspired by pieces such as The Laramie Project by the members of the Tectonic Theatre Company in New York City and Aftershocks by Paul Brown. Verbatim theatre, based on what I've gathered from examining these and other verbatim/documentary theatre pieces is one of the most authentic forms of theatre. Creating authenticity within a production has appealed to myself over the past year while attending the University of East London.
Lost Connections dives into a compile of 6 interviews that come from one family and how DNA testing has affected them individually and their families. The family that was interviewed was my family. I conducted a series of 6 interviews with these family members. Not many people wish to share stories of their families due to privacy and vulnerability. I have found that not many people who produce verbatim theatre conduct interviews with their family members.
Telling stories about the lives of families, mine and families of different backgrounds, is very important to me as an artist because family is a big part of who I am. Families are what often shape us to be who we are within society. They’re the backbone of what we are. Stories about families and all that comes with families is something that everyone can relate to and connect with.