Bethany is a young writer and performer on the DaDaFest Artist Development programme. We chatted to Bethany about what she gets up to and find out some of her highlights from the past few years...
How long have you been part of the DaDaFest Artist Development programme?
It’s been a long time! I joined the programme back in 2015 – I remember my teacher chose me to join! I was jumping for joy, it was a big shock – I didn’t think I’d get it. I don’t usually get picked out for stuff like this.
The first time I walked into the Everyman I was just thinking, how did I get here? It was amazing but scary at first.
Tell us more about what you do with DaDaFest
I do drama workshops and go and watch plays.
We also learn from different artists. Recently we went to FACT to see the Broken Symmetries exhibition which was really interesting and about artists who use science and experiments.
I’m also really interested in writing and I’m working with Hayley on my writing. Katie (DaDaFest Coordinator) noticed I was really into it so she put me with a mentor called Hayley from Paperwork Theatre. We set goals around what I want to achieve. I want to get into college, a drama college or a course on drama.
I’ve seen a course in St Helens and at Liverpool Community College...we’ll have to see!
Why do you love writing?
Writing is a release for me where I can just do my own thing. I find it relaxing.
I wasn’t doing much in my spare time so I started to write stories about some of the things I saw happening around me in today’s culture.
What inspires you?
TV, news or people around me. I want to write stories about subjects that are not written about like autism or human trafficking.
Margaret Atwood is a massive inspiration to me. The Handmaid’s Tale is a big inspiration for me right now. I love drama and mystery and it’s full of intense moment scenes – I love that.
What are you hoping to achieve from being part of the DaDaFest Artist Development programme?
To get the experience of being an actor. I want to find out the highs and the lows. I want try out as many different roles as possible.
Is there a highlight from your time so far?
Performing as part of different theatre companies at old, hidden theatres which have been around for ages.
The highlight was performing at Young DaDaFest last year at Everyman. The theme of the event was “Pass It On” - we were talking about serious issues; women’s rights, slavery.
Is there anything else you want to try out?
Maybe I will try out for some plays at the Everyman or different theatre companies.
I want to try it all! I don’t want to be that person who looks back and thinks, “I wish I tried that”. I want to be the person in the spotlight who is remembered.
What’s been your family/friends reaction to watching your performances?
My mum’s a big supporter!
At Space Performing Arts Centre in Bootle I’ve just been cast as Shere Khan in the Jungle Book. I’ve been so nervous finding out if I was going to get the role but I did. My mum can’t wait!
The show is 14 May and tickets will be on sale from April.
How has your confidence grown since you started DaDaFest?
I find my confidence when I’m on stage. Sometimes I get nervous because of my autism but since coming here I feel like I’m gaining a strength on stage.
When I’m playing a role, I’m playing a character, it’s not me. So I take on that character’s personality. I don’t want to show being fearful or scared because that’s not the personality of that character.
Find out more about the DaDaFest Artist Development programme www.dadafest.co.uk/what-we-do/artist-development