“Having recuperated from our intense and wonderful artistic residency at Hawkwood last week, Anna and I wanted to say a massive thank you to you all for the most incredible time.”
“Hawkwood was the perfect way to get our new project off the ground.”
Recently Hawkwood had the luck to host a new partnership as part of our artists residency. Emily and Anna couldn’t get their new project started because of Covid restrictions. They couldn’t meet for such a long time, until we offered the chance to use the Hawkwood rehearsal space.
So these two, Emily Collinson and Anna Semple, used the space for a new composition for viola and dancer. The former a physical theatre performer and soprano, and the latter a composer and singer, were both able to make full use of the opportunity.
This space, far from the stresses of the last year, was exactly the break the two needed to get things started. Over the week the pair got the creative ball rolling, and got productive. We were only glad to have been able to remove all distractions so they could focus on the creative process.
“The Covid protocols were managed so smoothly and the staff were so kind and welcoming that we were able to forget about the stresses of the last year and focus entirely on our work… The rehearsal space, the accommodation, the grounds, and of course the food (!) were all absolutely amazing and gave such a sense of freedom to create.”
Over the past year Covid has affected our freedom, and that has affected our ability to create in turn. However, It’s important to remember the negative energy around us is only temporary. As we move out of lockdown we have new opportunities we weren’t aware of before. At times like this we should take inspiration from Emily and Anna, and take the time to be safe and creative.
Credit to Emily Collinson and Anna Semple. For more information about the piece or about Anna, please check out her website here.
