Journey 011 - Surviving in a Stranger's World with Gudrun Soley Sigurdardottir

<p>Artists have the unique opportunity to investigate social issues often in surprising ways. Through a range of silly props and seemingly light-heartedness, Gudrun lays bare some of the most pressing issues in society through her work, which leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Following an unexpected journey from Iceland to the Royal Conservatoire in Scotland, she now lectures, directs and creates solo performance work in Glasgow. </p><p><strong>Part 1: "I'm here. I'm from there. Isn't it incredible?" (4:35)</strong></p><p>She came across the RCS's Contemporary Performance Practice by chance but it has set her on a course to produce fascinating work and contribute to the development of theatre in Scotland. We talk about her two homes: Iceland and Glasgow and some of her career highlights and failings over the last couple of years.</p><p><i>Key Questions</i></p><p><i><strong>Q3:</strong>  What is your perception of nationality? Do you believe it is fixed and that we only truly belong to one place? Or is it a more fluid concept and possible to construct our own national identity? (08:52)</i></p><p><i><strong>Q4:</strong> Can you tell us more about the journey that led you from Iceland to Scotland where you now produce the majority of your work? (13:07)</i></p><p><strong>Part 2: Creating for Others as well as Yourself  (24:25)</strong></p><p><i>Elision</i> explores concepts of home and belonging and what it means to be an independent nation. It is also a great example of theatrical experimentation. Gudrun discusses her work in greater depth especially when it comes to working with a script, responding to audiences in the moment and the challenges she faced in adapting it for GIFT 2020.</p><p><i><strong>Q6: </strong> Is your work largely scripted or is there a measure of improvisation? If it is one or the other, why did you decide to go about creating this kind of work? (24:59)</i></p><p><i><strong>Q8:</strong>  Talk us through the initial inspiration and eventual realisation of </i>Elision. (29:55)</p><p><i><st