Tahira Dar’s new solo show ‘Unpopular Culture’ is NOT just aimed at parents – it’s for anyone who ever had a dream as a child and still thinks about it as an adult. Here she shares her hints and tips on how to create theatre with - essential yet distracting - distractions in your life...
I wanted to create a handy guide for theatre makers who either have children, or simply lack the time. If you’ve got kids and want to create theatre, you may have found yourself asking 'How Do I End This Scene?' whilst also asking 'How Do I End This Play Date?’, or when thinking 'How Do I Build a Creative Team' have also had to wonder 'How Do I Build a F**cking Lego Castle?'
Before getting into the list – let’s start positive. If you have an idea for a theatre show, and want to actually make it – this is totally possible. I used to think it was only something that other, more creative and connected people could do. But that isn’t true. You can do it. It takes planning, faith in your work, and lots of perseverance. It’s not always easy - but why would it be? The learns along the way are invaluable to you as an artist.
Any generic road trip needs great snacks and a varied playlist - please prep these. Be aware that on this worthwhile journey through theatre making there’s no straightforward map, so bring your sense of adventure with you…
1. Make time, then make theatre
Time is of the essence as they say. But what if you just want to take a nap? Truth is, if you want to make something and it's not your full time job, you HAVE TO make the spare time up from somewhere - wake up an hour earlier, get your notepad out on the train or tube, stop doom scrolling on socials and spend that precious energy on writing some ideas down. It's so hard to find the time for anything these days, and I won't say that cliched ‘Beyonce has twenty-four hours in her day…’ or whatever it is, but it's true. She does. If you have a goal - make time for it. You'll be amazed how the minutes add up eventually.
2. Don't pressure yourself
Going directly against my first tip above, I have to balance things by asking you not to pressure yourself so much that you don't enjoy it. We make theatre and do creative things because we enjoy them as our calling - not because anyone is making us do it. Don't make it not fun. Don't feel you've failed if you don't finish something quickly. The best things take a while. Be patient. Take breaks. If it's not coming to you straight away, walk away and come back later when your head is clear. It's ok for the making to take as long as it needs.
3. Start small and note e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g down
My solo show started as a ten minute scratch performance. It's now a full show, seven years in the making. If you're short on time, take small steps to reach your milestones. You'll get there eventually, just slower because you have other commitments i.e the school run and six Zoom meetings a day. When you find those spare bits of time (as mentioned in point 1) just pick up a pen, or open the notes in your phone, and write something. Small is good, just start. When you’re mind is full of other things, there’s a risk of forgetting that vital gem that could make it into your show, so keep a dedicated notepad nearby for thoughts, scene ideas or one-liners.
4. Use the distractions as inspirations
It's most likely that your child, or pet, or day job, is a massive distraction from that thing you want to do - that is, be creative all day! But those 'distractions' are also massively important and can't be neglected. So try and incorporate them when you can. My children are the biggest inspiration for my work and quite honestly, 'Unpopular Culture' wouldn't exist if I didn't have them. Try not to separate the art too much, bring it into your daily life - and vice versa.
5. Make contact with other creatives
There is a rich community of artists and creatives and most are supportive. It’s worth trying to expand your networks either via social media, or making contact with local theatres, to find those who understand the joys (and perils!) of writing and theatre making.
6. Look for opportunities and be open
Opportunities for new writing exist - join artist mailing lists and follow inspiring pages on your socials. Keep positive about your own work and keep pushing. It’s exhausting sometimes but sign up, be present and put yourself forward where you can. Remember that your voice matters so don’t let imposter syndrome win if you’re feeling like no one is interested in your work. My show focuses a lot on representation and how that may have impacted on my own confidence as an artist. You can’t be what you can’t see - so if your story isn’t being told, make it yourself and be bold. Your art matters and there is space for your work somewhere.
Tues 26 – Wed 27 Nov 2024 at 7.15pm
Tickets £8 - £12 (plus booking fee)
