Strengthening My Voice at Hawkwood: A Writer's Retreat

The rolling hills of Gloucestershire, the ancient stones of Hawkwood, the quiet hum of creative energy – it transported me away from the over stimulating and task juggling lifestyle I am used to occupying on a daily basis. And for a week, it was my sanctuary. I was fortunate enough to be invited by Bristol Old Vic, through the Diverse Artists Network, to a writing residency at the Centre for Future Thinking, a place that truly lives up to its name.

Snowdrops bloom beneath a towering tree in the serene woodland, heralding the arrival of spring.

The invitation? To delve deep into the narrative of my solo performance piece, "Dear, Love From..." a multidisciplinary performance that is in development seeking to amplify the adoptee experience. As an artist whose work is rooted in movement and performance, the act of sitting, writing, and wrestling with words felt both challenging and exhilarating. Hawkwood provided the perfect environment for this shift in focus. The peaceful atmosphere, the close proximity to nature, the absence of daily distractions – it all conspired to create a space where my thoughts could breathe and grow.

The impact was profound. I made significant strides in developing the script, discovering new layers of meaning and clarity that had eluded me before. Being surrounded by other artists, engaging in insightful conversations, and receiving thoughtful feedback was invaluable. There was a shared understanding, a collective passion for storytelling that fueled my own creative process. And let's not forget the beautiful, nourishing food – a true gift to the body and soul.

Cozy study nook with a warm lamp, a stack of books, a laptop, and a water bottle, offering a serene atmosphere for reading and reflection.

However, I was also acutely aware of being the only artist of colour in the cohort. This wasn't a negative experience, but it did highlight the importance of spaces like the Diverse Artists Network, which actively champion and support artists from underrepresented backgrounds. It reinforced my commitment to creating work that reflects the richness and diversity of our world.

Being at Hawkwood was a reminder of the power of stillness. In a world that constantly demands our attention, the ability to slow down, to listen to the whispers of our own creativity, is a precious gift. It gave me the space to truly focus on the writing aspect of my work, something I often struggle to prioritise amidst the demands of performance and movement. I was able to concentrate on the words, the rhythm of the language, and the emotional core of the story.

I left Hawkwood with a renewed sense of purpose and a significantly developed ‘script’. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this unique experience, to have strengthened my voice in the quiet beauty of Hawkwoods grounds. The residency was more than just a writing retreat; it was a journey of self-discovery, a reminder of the power of community, and a testament to the transformative potential of art. And I’m excited to see where "Dear, Love From..." takes me next. 

Enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors with freshly baked cookies and a cup of tea, soaking up the sunshine amid the natural beauty.