Storm 1 Nothing Remains the Same. created by Mike Pearson and Mike Brooks.

This took place in Pafilwn Bont, Pontrydfendigaid, Ceredigion just outside Aberystwyth for two nights only. And I was lucky enough to be the emerging director. My role was to shadow the two Mike's directing, so that I could observe there process.

What first attracted me to this NTW emerging directors project was that I would be able to work with these directors and their project storm. I would not call myself a traditional theatre director so I believe I could learn the most from Mike Pearson and Mike Brookes. Having seen one of the productions before, Coriolan/us, which was pretty spectacular, I knew I would be in for a treat. They do not seem to adhere to any rules of theatre, they have big, bold ideas. Mixing classic stories with technology and different media and spaces. This is the kind of theatre I envision myself making and enjoy watching. Provoking thought with a message.

The audience first arrive at a remote venue with no expectations of what they are about to witness. They are given headphones and lead into a big open space filled with chairs. Once they are seated the lights dim into pitch black, so black that you can't see your hand in front of your face, as the voice on the recording explains. There is no need for theatrics or special effects in this performance. The darkness has the power here. Strange things we see in the dark, when we are forced to use our own imaginations. The blackened room rumbles with a menacing soundtrack that fills the air. We are guided by a tranquil voice that takes you on a journey through time and space. This does not seem like any traditional theatre I have ever seen or heard of. It has left a definite impression on me with endless possibilities of how I can make my theatre.

Mike Pearson and Mike Brooks will be producing some smaller performances leading up to the big performance in 2020.

I can not wait for Storm 2, things Come Apart. A multi platform reflection on Cardiff's riots in 1919 told by the local press of the time. 21 - 24 March 2018
Cardiff.