Across the pond – From lakes to seas
Writer is Heidi Nickel, a participant of CUBE’s Residency
Having the opportunity to participate in this residency has provided me an enrichening experience to work with such diverse artists with an incredible array of multi-disciplinary artistic approaches. I was fascinated by how stark differences in artistic backgrounds can work so well together when given a specific theme to focus our creative energy into while also trying to incorporate our own performance styles to form a single performance that is fluid and connects altogether.
Leading up to a project and even once the work has started, I always try to keep an open mind with how the process will roll out in terms of group work attitudes, creative elements that will be used in the performance, and what the overall organization and chemistry of the group will be. I do so to avoid setting expectations and locking them in as my own personal agenda may not perfectly align with the work we have yet to do and what others bring into the space. However, the single expectation that I carried with me into this residency is what I carry to every project I approach and that the experience will educate myself more on the themes and topics of the work.
The biggest challenges for me that came up during this residency was the differences in cultural approaches to theatre making. As someone coming from a different continent, this experience made it essential to be as open minded as possible to different artistic backgrounds of individuals from other countries which made my experience so unique and educational. I have always been used to a very constructed rehearsal process where most of the time would be within the theatre space experimenting with creative movements and words. At first this was a challenge to adjust to the more relaxed and outdoor research-based approach that was followed in this residency, but with a willingness to adapt, I was able to feel more confident with the rehearsal process and outcome of the show.
As part of our research into this project, we took the time to connect with the subject of our residency which is water and power of ecofeminism. What stood out to me was as I spent more time outside by the waterfront of Thessaloniki, listening to the waves, analyzing the movements of the water and feeling the breeze on my face, I was amazed at how much water provides a sense of relaxation and healing of the mind when we truly take time to connect with the elements around us.
From this outdoor research, this project has encouraged me to take more of an active approach to educating those around me about the importance of fighting the ongoing climate crisis that is happening in our world today through the performing arts. From spending time outside with the bodies of water around the city, it inspired me to take more time in educating myself with how climate change is affecting the land I come from being a country with the most lakes and freshwater resources in the world.
Being open to the diverse mindsets that came together in this residency has opened so much more potential for collaborating with artists of different artistic backgrounds that have inspired me to expand my knowledge of theatre making. Having the chance to work with a passionate and motivated group has given me the incredible privilege of creating a larger networking base for ongoing projects happening all over Europe which is such an essential connection to have as a young emerging artist.
Having the motivation to connect with people from any corner of the world and educating yourself on the opportunities that present themselves to you is so essential for emerging artists looking to build a career in the arts. For me, building connections is the most important thing to do as an artist as meeting new people educates you on the work being done in the communities of those you meet. The very first opportunity I took in Europe was in Italy of 2023. From this work and making a connection, I then performed in a theatre production in a festival in Amsterdam. And it was from this connection that I was able to learn about Theatre in Palm and apply to participate in this residency. I look at this example as a domino effect: taking an opportunity will need to another, and then another after that, and then another after that, etc. and I believe this concept is what inspired me to look at opportunities outside my community in Canada and become the artist I am today.
Splitting my time between Canada and Europe has come with many challenges. One of the biggest ones being away from my family. The thought of leaving my country to do theatre projects in Europe was quite scary at first taking such a risk of being involved in opportunities that were so far away from home and outside what I am used to in my own community. But now I can say that it was the best decision I could have made when it comes to building my career. I have learned that it is the opportunities that are the scariest are what is needed to take to grow not only as an artist, but as an individual. If I chose not to take the opportunity in Italy of 2023, I would never have gone to Amsterdam, be a part of this residency, or even known about the opportunities I have coming up in 2025.
For all emerging artists looking to expand your career in the arts, take advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. Connect with the artists you meet. Look outside your community to grow your knowledge. Taking risks that are uncomfortable are what will challenge you to become the best artist and person you can be. Think about how an opportunity can lead to another as you never know what lies in store in the future. I never imagined my career would take me across the world and thanks to CUBE’s residency, I am forever thankful to be able to do my two favourite things: travelling and theatre.
