Holding Space with Olivia Satchell

In this episode Olivia Satchell and Bronte Charlotte chat about developing work from the ground up, arts fundraising,community development, the impact of theatre, and aligning your values with your collaborators. We delve into the Grief Trilogy, a trio of shows exploring vertical time, the relationships between women, and how these women can be changed from a single encounter in a public space. Liv explains her work in community development and her interest in finding pathways for artists to become less reliant upon government funding.

During this episode we discuss:

• [01:38] The loneliness of a global pandemic, how it changes your outlook on relationships and the quality time that you spend with people you love
• [07:04] A different way to apply for grants, using applications to fine tune your ideas and to truly reflect on what it is you are creating.
• [10:50] Livs experience working in arts development (fundraising) and the need for a new understanding of funding if the arts in Australia is to continue to grow
• [14:07] The origin story of Small & Loud, creating a safe space for facilitation, feedback, community and growth, and aligning your values with your collaborators before you begin a project
• [21:30] Creating a feedback loop for artists to build an understanding of how their work is being received at its very beginning stages, and the power of articulating your thoughts
• [26:53] Dinner and a Show, the ritual of sharing food and how it impacts a creative space, and the connection between those sharing in that experience
• [32:42] Livs journey into the theatre world, moving from performing to directing to developing and writing her first show
• [43:43] The beginnings of The Grief Trilogy, Toni Morrison’s impact on Liv’s work, and embracing vertical time
• [50:10] Integrity in the rehearsal process, and creating a space of respect and appreciation for each other's work
• [54:04] Writing from place, knowing the actors you're writing for, and Livs step-by-step rehearsal process for My Sister Feather.
• [59:24] Knowing when it's time to move on to the next project and the relationship between the very small and very epic
• [1:05:25] Honouring what people are bringing to the process and to the room, the bird & the worm, the pleasure of writing, and how important it is to be with those you love.

RESOURCES 

• Odin Theatre Company, the theatre company Liv was observing as the Pandemic hit
• Small & Loud, the Melbourne monthly development meet ups that Liv started in 2016
• National Young Writers Festival
• Leisa Shelton, the teacher who would start each lesson with a shared pot of tea
• My Name is Truda Vitz by Olivia Satchell, Somersault Theatre Company
• Olivia’s Theatre Company: The Voice In My Hands
  @thevoiceinmyhands
• The Grief Trilogy by Olivia Satchell

Chats with Creatives @chats.w.creatives
Bronte Charlotte @bronteandsunshine
Olivia Satchell @ojsatchell