Arteles Catalogue 2023-2020

Back to Basics program / SEPTEMBER 2022
Dora Colquhoun
UK
www.doraviolet.co.uk
About
I am a neurodivergent theatre maker and performer based
in Liverpool. I have a wealth of varied experience as a
performer ranging from children’s theatre, stand up comedy,
to penning my own Musical: ADHD The Musical: Can I have
Your Attention Please? I am interested in making work that
is observant, humorous and examines the world we live in.
I enjoy collaboration and working with artists from different
disciplines. I usually work with musicians to create songs, I
am the lyricist and melody maker.
I am currently focusing on writing, exploring themes around
class in the UK. I am hoping to create a new piece of work
that examines how we got to this burning wreckage that is
British Politics in 2022. Hopefully with some biting wit and
aplomb. I am certainly not an expert in politics, but I do know
a dairy milk chocolate bar has doubled in price...........all is
not well.
Breathe, Write, Reflect
My time at Arteles was spent recalibrating my practice, being
introduced to a calmer listening self. It was an eye-opening
experience being cut off from technology and bathing in
nature. The time I spent alone was precious, the time I spent
with the other artists was generous and meaningful. I spent
a month writing and developing a new theatre show about
home called Jam and Chemicals. I would write daily and
without restriction. I read, researched, walked, ran, rowed,
laughed, cried, sang, recorded, cooked and most importantly
I could breathe.
I became familiar with the landscape; I recognised the twists
the turns in the road. I saw the sunflowers in early September
in bright yellow bloom pointing upwards towards the sky,
by the end of the month they cowered down in shrivelled
chipped brown. I would be greeted by a large white dog who
would bark protectively at my unfamiliar presence as I ran
past the house on my frequents runs. At the end of the month
as the cold set in the dog no longer sat outside. I missed
my canine acknowledgement and the joy I got from his
enthusiastic greeting. I cycled along the smooth road and
became frustrated when it was gritted over for the impending
winter, my bike ride was harder and more furious. I noticed
the hay bales tightly packed in cylinders stacked up high and
then moved a week later. There was constant change that I
bore witness too. And a small change in me.