Spotlight on Artist Residencies: Introducing Emma Spearing

Tell us a bit about yourself and your work? 
I’m a theatre-maker, actor, writer & mother based in Essex. My work is mainly autobiographical, and is informed by my fairly unconventional journey through life. I’ve been performing professionally for 10 years at venues and festivals including: Cambridge Junction, Colchester Arts Centre, Arcola Theatre, Shunt Lounge, Pleasance & Vault Festival. I originally trained as an actor at East 15 Acting school when, less than a year after graduating, my identical twin sister was diagnosed with Cancer. I cared for her for 8 months until she died.  

I decided to start writing and making theatre because the experience of losing my twin was so engulfing and I didn’t see my experience reflected in theatre at the time. I wanted to start normalizing conversations that we don’t have around grief.  I’ve been making WHOLE for about 6 years now, working with some incredible creatives along the way, and through the process of making the show I feel like I have found myself, having lost the person who made me Whole.   

Tell us about the idea you’re exploring as part of the residency? Who are you working with?
As part of the residency at artsdepot I have been exploring how to develop the show from a solo show into a two-hander. The second person on stage with me is a volunteer (different every night) who helps me perform the show. In order to see how this works I have had to invite a new person into the rehearsal room every day to run it, so it has been a huge undertaking. But we have had some wonderful people join and help us develop the piece and their feedback has been invaluable.  

I am working with some incredible creatives on Whole, including Kirsty Housley (Pacifists Guide to a war on Cancer – Complicite – National Theatre)  who is directing, and Caroline Horton (Olivier award nominee) who has been advising on dramaturgy. 

What are your inspirations/influences?  
I’ve been so lucky to be in a rehearsal room with Kane Husbands and The Pappy Show and Kane runs one of the most creative and joyful spaces, so they are definitely an inspiration. I also have a deep love of anything from Pina Bausch, her visual language is a huge inspiration. I am a big fan of European theatre, I spent a month in Athens recently on a residency and saw so much theatre.  

What’s the best bit of advice about the industry/being an artist you have received?
Work with people who allow you to play, follow your curiosity, and find joy. There are no mistakes, only explorations, take risks. I have learnt that if I don’t feel like I can try different things and get them wrong, it’s not the right room for me to make my best work.  

What’s your favourite theatre show/gig in the past 12 months and why?
WDimanche by Focus & Chaliwate (Belgium) – Part of The Mime Festival. It was extraordinary. So playful and magical, visually gorgeous and such a tight, talented ensemble.  

Watching Adolecence  

Listening to Starling Arrow 

Reading The Late Bloomer by Clarissa Pinkola Estes