Our artistic director Simon Magnus reflects on the end of an era but also a new beginning.
For the last 13 years Root Experience has been my passion; a fundamental part of who I am. It was the place I found that enabled me to express what I saw in the world and discover the joy in connecting with others.
In the early days we were creating devised theatre that would spend months working with a single group of performers to create something that felt close to our hearts. The process of creating these pieces was often deep and creatively satisfying for everyone involved.
On the journey from making these first performances, to developing street gaming and finally to publishing our graphic novel Hidden Stories, my commitment has always been to the exploration of creativity and connection. And the vital relationship between them.
FORM WITH PURPOSE
The form hasn’t mattered as much as questioning what is the best form for the work I have wanted to do. The constant throughout the years has been the commitment to the process of creating together. To be honest, I don’t work as well on my own and nothing that we’ve done as a company could have been achieved if it wasn’t for the amazing collaborations that have enabled me to grow. I would like to express a massive thank you to all the people who have joined me in this and brought Root Experience to life.
A WHOLE NEW JOURNEY
However, our recent work with community groups alongside my work training embodied facilitation has opened my eyes to a different expression of what I would like to bring into the world.
When I started Root Experience I deeply believed that theatre could change the world. I still do. I see theatre-makers break ground with so many forms of therapeutic and leadership practice. I have come to appreciate that for me the training of theatre is a training to come together as a community and create together in connection with our bodies. In my experience, this is vital if we want to deepen our relationships with ourselves as well as each other.
It has been a long and difficult decision but I have decided to leave Root Experience as Artistic Director in order to focus on the more therapeutic aspects of the work we created.
A CLOSING
I’m not the only one heading off. Life has been drawing each of us at Root Experience into various other amazing projects. Having discussed it all in depth with our board of directors, we’ve decided to close Root Experience and take what we’ve learned into our lives. I am deeply grateful for the amazing work and support of this incredible board.
I’m proud of the work we’ve done and shared – including our recent book, which we truly hope will benefit people far into the future. On that note, we’re glad to have secured funding to keep the Hidden Stories website live for the next five years. It’s a great resource that we hope will continue to inspire and support.
At the heart of all the projects I’ve created, and will create, is my fundamental belief and passion for connection. This is a fundamental part of Root Experience that I’m sure will live on in the people and communities we’ve touched.
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this incredible journey.
(photograph by Sarah Hickson)