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How to be a theatre director? Have a feel of the
zeitgeist – what is that your audience might need to feel? Have a feel of your inner creative juices – what is the flavour of the work you want to make? Find a play that you love, or a novel to adapt, or an idea you might write yourself cook up with a partner (you do not have to marry them, but you do need the rights to material, unless the writer is long dead). Surround yourself with excellent artists you love and admire. Really know the play or adaptation or idea. Read everything about it. Create an atmosphere of openness and hold your team with patience and encourage their wildness to flourish. Remember that everything you’re doing is for the audience. Treat it like a special surprise party you’re creating for them. Make good medicine. Have a degree in English from Trinity/UCD, a Masters would be great. Take workshops in acting to have a connection with how actors work. Engage in a physical practice like yoga or t’ai chi, to help ground you and your company. Have a good head for marketing and business. Build a library of plays, novels, films, art books. See everything. Try not to become an alcoholic, even though it might be the best way to network. After you’ve been rejected by the Arts Council after a few years (or 20), and realise there’s no way at all to make a living doing this, you might consider moving to Berlin or London to become a bartender or a yoga teacher. It’s best if you come from a rich family and are white and, still sadly, male. If you have to marry someone, it would be great if they are independently weathly. Good luck! Annie Ryan Artistic Director Corn Exchange The Fall of the Second Republic runs in the Abbey Theatre from February 24 to March 14. See Interview on page 92. cornexchange.ie Engage in a physical practice like yoga or t’ai chi, to help ground you. It’s the How to quit fast fashion? Begin with an open mind. Don’t be daunted to cut out fast fashion. You will find your style and will have a lot of fun. Change online shops for second-hand apps like Depop. You can find so many high street and luxury brands on Depop that are in excellent condition and a fraction of the price! Swap or borrow with your friends. This comes in handy especially with formal wear that you might only get one wear from. Create a capsule wardrobe. Invest in good quality, practical items that will last you a lifetime and will create a base for every outfit. Don’t just donate to charity shops, buy from them too. Go into a charity shop with a basic expectation, therefore you will be more creative with your choices and have a more successful shop. Learn to take care of your clothes. Wash them less and store properly to make them last. Annie O’Rourke Founder of Think Threads, a sustainable jewellery range etsy.com/ie/shop/ThinkThreads difference between feeling creative and sensual and sexual, or feeling locked. 28