Redefining Independence in Parenthood and Performance: a blog post from Night Classes co-writer Becci Sharrock
Night Classes co-writer Becci Sharrock reflects on the development of new Unfolding Theatre show, Night Classes.
The first day of rehearsals is always a strange mix of nerves and excitement. But the start of Night Classes rehearsals felt even more significant as it is my first big project coming to fruition since becoming a Mum. My 8 month would be in the room with us and I would quickly be finding out if I could make being a working parent... work.
Mini-me does not travel light. She needs spare clothes, everything for a nappy change, toys, food, drink, the list goes on. By contrast, I have a bottle of water and a biro. Somewhere.
On the bus in (which thankfully had space for a pram) and Lisette, my co-writer, messages to say she's lost looking for the rehearsal space, can I help? I can and do and she's sorted.
When I arrive, late (if you've tried leaving the house with a baby, you know), she repays the favour. Quietly shares her script, offers a pen. First break and Alex, one of the performers, puts his arms out for the little one. "Shall I hold so you can get a drink?"
If only asking for, offering and receiving help was always this easy.
Later I will pass the baby at EJ (performer) so I can pack her bag,
Chloe (Stage Manager) will entertain her so I can wash my hands after a nappy change.
By the end of week 1 of rehearsals everyone in the team has held her, babbled with her, kept smiling through a read through even when she's shrieking in the background. In short, they couldn't have made it easier for me to feel comfortable returning to work.
Does any of this take away my sense of independence? Or simple reimagine what independence can look like.
How it could sit hand in hand with interdependence, with community, with learning to ask for help and unlearning a feeling that I need to be able to do everything myself.
These are the themes explored in Night Classes and it couldn't feel more relevant as I dip my toes into working life again. Over the course of an evening, audiences will be taken on a journey to explore their own ideas of independence and interdependence, asked to consider their hopes and dreams for the future and things they might want to learn or unlearn.
They'll be assisted by our three charismatic tour guides who will have their own stories to share along the way.
But perhaps most importantly, they'll be able to navigate the experience in whatever way works best for them.
All content will be BSL interpreted. There's a chill out space. They can watch or take part, stand or sit, they can leave the space and come back at any time (really).
Night Classes is for everyone.
Night Classes will premiere at ARC Stockton on Wednesday 20th March & Thursday 21st March 2024. Book your Pay as You Want tickets here.