When NTW came to Anglesey I had no idea that I would be allured back into the performance world and inspired to be creative again. It's been over 3 years since I have fully engaged in the performance world, having previously been a full time Live Artist for 7 years after graduating in Contemporary Theatre Practice.

Hugh Hughes story shop offered me an open door to a misplaced home. A home that welcomed strangers in, to leave as friends. Since moving to Anglesey I have struggled to find friends that I had something in common - an interest in Art and performance that is outside of the box. I found that there are very few open minded people living on Anglesey, or rather very few that I've come into contact with. It was like a breath of fresh air and the more I entered the shop, the more interesting people I met, including members of  National Theatre Wales. I was invited to join Team and attend the DIY weekend - how could I not take up this opportunity!?

I went along to the location in Treaddur Bay, not knowing who I would meet or what was expected of me. I met a variety of workers from NTW but also the artists in residence, all of whom were as inspiring as the next. Each person had they're own style, subject, interest but were all on a journey to discover something new whilst in residence. There were videos being made, sounds, mini performance moments, boxes and questions asked, alone, together, on the tables.I was eager to be like them, part of the crowd, but never knew what my interest was, what I wanted to say? What would I perform?

I went home, to my family, in rural Anglesey, said goodnight to my partner and daughter and shut the door. For the first time in a long time I allowed myself to forget the reality, that was my life, and think about my interests and drive beyond my work in the social sector and my family. The candle had been lit and I allowed it to glow.  

I created a mini performance, in a tent, exploring disabling individuals (the audience), cutting of sight, hearing or ability to speak clearly. I explored getting married juxtaposed with having a learning disability and not being able to find love or marry. It was a choatic whirlwind of a performance, expressing my stress of planning a wedding and others need for love. It was jumbled and needs work, but it is a start. I now know I cannot do without this other side in my life, the performer, the theatre maker, I'm not allowing her to leave my side.

Thank You National Theatre Wales for bringing Hugh Hughes, the story shop, Wales Lab and DIY to Anglesey and reuniting me with an old flame.