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Spotlight On: Liz Morrison
Today it’s National Freelancer Day!
Like many industries the creative sector relies on talented and dedicated freelancers. Today at Theatr Brycheiniog we would like to acknowledge some of the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes by our freelance community.
Liz Morrison, freelancer and owner of marketing and communications business Creative Solutions played her part in supporting Theatr Brycheiniog during the pandemic.
Here is an insight into how Liz works with us and how she has truly had a creative impact on our new Cultural Cafe!
What is it about being a freelancer in the arts sector that you enjoy so much?
I thrive in a creative space. I believe that it is important to have a job you enjoy and work for companies and organisations that hold the same values as you do. I have worked with various arts organisations, charities and festivals or businesses that want to ‘give something back’ and prioritise the values of community and creativity.
Can you tell us a little about your creative background?
I studied English Literature at university before going on to complete a Masters in Creative and Media Writing. I had various pieces of poetry and prose published before concentrating on my career in marketing. I still write poetry and fiction and also keep an online blog documenting my mums journey with dementia.
Can you tell us about your working relationship with Theatr Brycheiniog?
After working at Theatr Brycheiniog as their Marketing Manager, I returned to being a freelancer just before the global pandemic took hold. While the staff at Theatr Brycheiniog had to remain largely furloughed, I was grateful for the opportunity to provide ad hoc support to the theatre during a prolonged and difficult time and was able to use my skills to create press releases, work on communication plans and help prepare for a phased reopening.
You have recently created a poem for the theatre, can you tell us about this?
As well as the terrible personal losses Covid has caused, the pandemic has also traumatised families, communities and businesses. The poem is called It Took Our Breath Away, based on a phrase that is used so freely but means something quite visceral, because these words are also the symptoms of a Covid infection itself. The Covid pandemic disrupted so many parts of life we took for granted and the poem documents the unexpected shift we all experienced as the pandemic took hold. I felt compelled to write something that conveyed both what I felt as an individual, as well as being part of a larger society and an arts industry.
When the theatres went dark, the auditoriums emptied and the stages fell silent and I felt it was such a strong metaphor for how the world felt in lockdown. As a result it is quite an angry poem and as it was written specifically for a theatre, it is a piece that can be performed, not just read.
The title also refers to the words we use in response to powerfully performed storytelling, music or art which captures our attention. We learn to listen to stories from such a young age and as we get older we need to carry on learning through what other people share in storytelling, writing, painting, photography or performance - because it is a way that we can experience other worlds and perspectives we would otherwise never see. We might not understand Shakespeare for example, but just watching a performance is like time travelling to a forgotten world. Creativity links us to other people from the past and present and gives us a voice to speak to future generations. The pandemic silenced that.
I am really excited that my work has been included in such a vibrant and unique space. The auditorium has been flat floored and the Cultural Café art installation by the talented Harry Pizzey is a celebration of the creative people who would usually have used the space at Theatr Brycheiniog. It is definitely worth a visit!
What is it about Theatr Brycheiniog you love so much?
Brecon is so lucky to have such a creative art space. I love how inclusive Theatr Brycheiniog is. It works hard not to alienate anyone and make the arts accessible to everyone. It puts real thought and consideration into what shows and exhibitions are programmed, puts on relaxed performances, and the staff work hard to be extra accommodating. As an organisation it has a genuine desire to make everyone feel welcome.
Also, the coffee is excellent.
You can view Liz’s poem as part of the art installation by Theatre Designer Harry Pizzey in our Cultural Cafe which is currently open 11am- 3pm. Also featured in this amazing space is a short film called When The Night Fell written by local celebrated playwright Owen Thomas and performed by local actors Louise Collins and Gareth John Bale.
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As a registered charity working to serve the community, the Theatr is always in need of extra support, whether for improvements to the building and to support community projects. Please visit our Support Us page to see how you can help.