Click here!

Arts:Blog

In conversation with...Suzi Simpson

The artistic director of New Works New Worlds tells Michael Cox about the festival and her role as curator.

Ask Suzi Simpson to describe New Works New Worlds and she immediately lights up. “It offers an empowering platform for artists who are alternative thinkers, non-conformists, and gives them a space to creatively challenge the complexity of our culture and also for them to negotiate where they stand in relation to bigger social and political problems. So, it is an opportunity to give them a voice in that context.”

The festival began back in 2005 after Simpson left university. What started out as a production of three scripts has now turned into a week-long festival ranging in scope and definition. She has also revised her concept of the festival, originally thinking of it as a way to develop scripts but now seeing it as a way of developing ‘work’, a term she finds more encompassing.

Another encompassing term that has found its way into Simpson’s life is her unofficial title as ‘curator’. She has no memory as to who first called her that, but it has since followed her. Speaking about her job, she says that, “I think of myself more as a producer than anything. The title ‘producer’ is complex, ranging from artistic development to paper-pushing. But a curator brings a programme together.”

The festival has not only grown but has also found a home recently at The Arches, a venue that has proven to be an enthusiastic supporter. In speaking about her partnership, Simpson said “I feel like the Arches is a place where artists can really experiment and try things out and not be afraid to make mistakes and get a second chance. I feel like it’s quite safe in some ways, but also it’s a place where you can find work that isn’t safe.”

So, what does she exactly look for in an idea? “I look for work that I feel has something urgent to say. I’m also interested in the honesty and integrity of the artist’s voice. I look for pieces that fit together to make the programme as dynamic as possible so art comes from a range of backgrounds and experience, which is why there are two graduates in a programme with Tam Dean Burn.”

As to the selection process of what gets performed, Simpson is quite fluid. “I purposely keep the submission proposal process open. The reason for that is that I’m interested to see what kind of work artists are making; what kind of art they want to make. I feel it’s important to keep that process open because you have to see what’s out there. If you put too strict a remit on people, I think it could change the way that they put their work forward. And I like to see what the artists will say for themselves.”

Tags: theatre

Comments: 0 (Add)

To post a comment, you need to sign in or register. Forgotten password? Click here.

Find a show


Search the site


Find us on …

Find us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFind us on YouTube