Who are The Writer's Mark?
In August 2023, Natasha Higdon (Founder and Artistic Director of The Writer's Mark) began the company, seeking to celebrate the legacy of surrealist writers and artists through the mediums of art and theatre. The Writer's Mark is a small established company with ambition and an edge of taking experiences back to the starting ground of the true surrealists of another generation. Natasha is joined by Molly O'Neill (artist and researcher) and El Locksmith (Illustrator).
Kafka, Artaud and Carrington are important within today's artistry - as people yes, as visionaries yes - and even in tremendous hardship they continued to create work, whilst remaining their authentic self. This is vital, we must continue to celebrate the work and individuals behind the surrealist movement - this cannot, and should not be forgotten.
"Surreal ideas and messages are important, everything now is given to us within a press of a button - surreal artforms (literature, art, theatre and method) are important for our imagination and we should never lose the ability to experiment with curiosity and play."
“What ignites my resilience to develop and continue each project – is the writers themselves. Their lives, letters, art and works. This is vital. Each artist/writer has had to overcome personal struggles and yet, continues to produce work that speaks to us in both a conscious plane and a more spiritual existence. Within this process is a need to connect with literature, art and within this a world beyond words."
Natasha Higdon
What projects have we previously explored?
In just a year, this company has hosted three successful events that have celebrated the legacy of both Franz Kafka (1883-1924) and Antonin Artaud (1896-1948). The Writer's Mark hit the ground running with support from volunteers, actors, artists and 'Support in Kind' in presenting the Franz Kafka Series (A three hour event at Fabrica Arts Centre Brighton - involving art installations and performances from Contemplation and devised works).
The Writer's Mark have also performed at Camden Fringe this year and The Regency Town House - exploring the final years of Antonin Artaud through an experimental devised piece entitled: 'Fille De Mon Coeur.' This piece covered Artaud's relationship with Actress Colette Thomas through: physical theatre, mime and Shakespeare.
The Leonora Carrington Series - Who will be working with us?
The Writer's Mark is taking over The Regency Town House for Brighton Fringe this year in the last week of May - and this may just be our most ambitious project yet! Presently, the company relies on self-funding, small donations, volunteers and support in kind. This year the company wants to celebrate the life and legacy of the unsung female heroes of the surrealist movement, with a focus on the female surrealist - writer and artist - Leonora Carrington (1917-2011).
Natasha Higdon will be working with Artist and Researcher Molly O'Neill and Illustrator El Locksmith, joining their team for this project will be Artist Jo Gabriele Sheppard and Artist/Puppeteer Amanda Rosenstein Davidson. The team will also be recruiting female artists to support with the concepts and development of ideas in each of the spaces.
We will also be recruiting female actors for our promenade performance that will involve physical theatre, mime and ensemble.
What will the money go towards?
The money we raise will be crucial in contributing to: venue hire, materials for our artists to design and create work for three large gallery/room spaces so our audience have a desired experience. The works are going to inspired by Leonora Carrington's life, art and short stories from 'The Debutante and other stories.'
In addition to the layout and art installations within the building we seek to also provide surrealist workshops for both adults and children - with your help this will give us better resources, allow further planning time and support us in reviewing and keeping costs low for the general public. Documenting our process and projects is vital, so funding will also go towards marketing.
Our artistic director, Natasha Higdon, will also be directing an immersive promenade piece for the Brighton Fringe with female actors to explore the world of Leonora - inspired by her short stories and love for the unknown and adventure. Your money will go towards costume and props which will play a key role in the telling of each story.