Theatre Royal Stratford East’s new Executive Director, Deborah Sawyerr, reflects on those that inspire and support her.
Sharon D. Clarke
I first worked on a show with Sharon at Theatre Royal Stratford East when I was a Deputy Stage Manager. Sharon is a fabulous actress and singer. I’ve even got vinyl from her earlier singing career.
Sharon’s influence on my career has been informing how I work with people. Sharon is one of the warmest and most gracious people I know in theatre. A ‘hello’ and a few minutes’ conversation with Sharon always makes my day. She has the ability to effortlessly make you feel interesting and the very person she wants to be talking to at that minute.
debbie tucker green
debbie is one of my favourite writers. I’ve seen every play she’s written. I’m amazed at her talent and her ability to write and direct for stage, screen and radio. Her writing is almost musical in its cadence, and when you add that to her storytelling ability, I’m entranced whenever I watch her work.
debbie’s work looks deceptively simple to an audience and it’s all about the words. It takes real skill to make a show appear simple and yet pack that amount of impact into 90 minutes or less.
If you missed her most recent work, ‘a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun)’ at the Royal Court, you missed a moving piece of theatre. When watching or listening to any play she has written, just ignore the reviewers who can’t get past the way she chooses to write her name. Her work is so much more than that.
Josette Bushell-Mingo
Josette is an actress and director with an amazing warmth and generosity of experience that astounds me every time we meet. I’ve listened to Josette galvanise a room full of people and inspire them to embark on the task ahead in just a few words. I aspire to be able to do that so seemingly effortlessly.
Sian Alexander
I first met Sian at a meeting when she worked at Arts Council England and was completely intimidated by her knowledge and experience. Seven years later, I started working with her when she was the Executive Director at the Bush Theatre and I was the General Manager, and I stopped being intimidated.
I learnt so much in the two years that we worked together and I still learn from her all the time. Whenever I need a sounding board or some sage words of advice, Sian is one of the first names I search for in my contact list. Luckily for me, Sian will always take the time to talk it through with me, to be supportive and most of all to be encouraging.
Steve Mannix
If Sian is one of the first names I search for then Steve is the other. We’ve known each other since Steve was Executive Director at Graeae Theatre Company and I was the Company Stage Manager.
When a job is challenging, or a situation just too funny for words, then Steve is one of those people you want in your corner. I wouldn’t have taken half of the career path leaps of faith that I have without Steve. Steve regularly cajoles me in to various events and organisations, but I have become used to the payback and it’s worth it every time.
Yvette Griffith
Yvette, currently Executive Director at Jazz re:freshed, is a powerhouse of activity and drive. I have long admired her ambition coupled with her ability to get things done and to galvanise those around her into action. Yvette challenges me to take more risks and encourages me to aim high.
Deborah Sawyerr is Executive Director for Theatre Royal Stratford East.
www.stratfordeast.com
‘Room’ will run at Theatre Royal Stratford East from 2 May to 3 June.