Personal Artistic Statement

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“It is what I know, and so am able to tell”. This line from poet Li-Young Lee’s Epistle, has resonated with me for more than 20 years and inspires the questions at the foundation of my work as an artist: what specific truth can I tell about being human? And, how can I create spaces for other artists to tell their truths?

 

I believe that stories told truthfully, joyously, and courageously can bring healing and empathy to our world. Therefore, my goal as both artist and educator is to create space for authentic, organic exploration of what it is to be human. Through the specific we can understand the universal; and when artists and audiences discover characters within themselves, they unlock their capacity for empathy. It is my honor to invite the full human into the room to explore, to feel, to name their own truth, and to witness the experience of their fellow artists. Together, we can achieve a level of artistic excellence grounded in the skills and values that underlie the craft of theatre: empathy, communication, collaboration, self expression, critical thinking, listening, and actively curating spaces for courage, vulnerability, and creative exploration.

 

I believe this work demands immense courage and vulnerability, and it requires an atmosphere of joy, respect, and possibility - in which everyone is empowered to be their fullest selves and to share the full measure of their creativity. It is my responsibility to express this value in practical ways that actively celebrate the diverse experiences of all people. Theatre is as varied and unique as the people creating it, and I recognize that representation not only matters, it is essential to the growth and welfare of both the individual artist and the larger community.

 

Historic context is a key component of any theatrical work, and understanding the cultural heritage, social and political context, and other creative influences at play when a theatrical work originated, provides an essential foundation to creating current work that resonates effectively in our world today. I have found that the practice of seeking context, both historic and current, empowers all of us to engage thoughtfully with the world; in our artistic expression, our chosen careers, and our communities.

 

It is a fitting conclusion to this statement, to quote a student who articulated my goals as a theatre practitioner in a final reflection of our class: “this class is more than just a performance course; it is a laboratory for empathy. It provided the tools to craft stories, but more importantly, it built the communal space necessary for those stories to land and resonate.” As a theatre artist, I have a profound opportunity to create space for people of all experiences to express their unique voices, to witness our shared humanity, and to ultimately create a more inclusive and enlightened world.

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- Lisa Woods