INTERVIEW: ”The Pool meets Emma Rice: The Director’s Cut’ (2016) – Shot by Swhype
“… We’re very used to seeing eight men on stage and two women, and I just need to change that and just say ‘No, we’re here. We’re here to stay”, Emma Rice
Swhype & The Pool joined the newly-appointed artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, Emma Rice to talk theatre, gender balance on stage and the summer ‘Wonder Women’ music concerts in association with The Pool.
Since April when Emma Rice took over as the artistic director of The Globe, her critically acclaimed ‘Wonder Season’ brought a contemporary aura as well as a ‘treat of mysticism and magic’ to the London’s historical venue. Her experience as a performer and director at Kneehigh in Cornwall together with her exploration in folk, ‘magic’ tales throughout her career inspired, nurtured and shaped her adventurous and modern approach to the traditional form in theatre.
Radio host & TV presenter, Lauren Laverne met her inside the impressive Sam Wanamaker Playhouse to discuss her sensational Shakespearean season and The Pool’s ‘Wonder Women’ series of music gigs ahead of this summer.
Being the first female creative director of Shakespeare’s Globe, she talks about introducing a 50/50 gender balance on stage for the first time and how her decision was naturally implemented by the organisation.
The Pool’s music series were announced earlier in May and includes a Roisin Murphy gig at the venue on the 15th August. Curated by Lauren Laverne, these sessions aspire to bring a new wave of music at the Globe by presenting established and rising female artists who are challenging the form of popular music in the 21st century. See the full list of performers here.
Swhype explored the grounds of gender balance almost a year ago at Screen Social: W=M. In collaboration with gender equality organisations, the event presented film content and a panel of inspiring female creatives including writer and activist, Sophie Mayer, Alexandra Haddow & Marisa Bate from The Pool as well as the founders of Underwire festival, Gemma Mitchel & Gabriella Apricella.
Watch an extract of their discussion below: