Entering The Lab
Back in the summer of 2020, I took part in a Soho Theatre writers workshop for People of Colour on 4th August. Throughout the lockdown I started to get back into playwrighting. I had taken time to go through old shows, develop shows from drama school, college and as far back as School. I started reading more and going over notes that I had from previous workshops.
So here was the day of the workshop. I entered the zoom space and then realised one thing, “why is everyone white in this workshop? I thought it was for People of Colour?” I then realised, that in true Sanjay fashion, I had booked 2 playwrighting workshops on the same day at the same time. But I snuck out of the first zoom and headed to the right one and it was such a great couple of hours, and ignited that fire I had about playwrighting and putting words on a page for the stage. The workshop was ran by Lakesha Arie-Angelo, Soho Theatre’s Associate Director. At the end of the workshop, we were shared details of the Soho Theatre Writers’ Lab. I thought it sounded great but would have no chance in hell of getting one of the final 48 spaces. But I applied anyways!
To know more about what the lab is, you can read it here from the Soho Theatre Website: https://sohotheatre.com/project/writers-lab/
Then on the 16th of September, I got an email that I didn’t at first believe. I got an email saying that having received over 900 applications for the 20/21 Writers’ Lab, I had been chosen as one of the final 48. I was ecstatic but also didn’t fully believe it. But I was on a programme During a pandemic, where I didn’t think I was i the right industry, I felt like I was given a chance to learn and challenge and do what I love, write.
The course was ran by Jules, Lakesha and Chris. A trio of amazing creatives, and you can read more about their awesome experience here: https://sohotheatre.com/project/writers-lab-workshop-leaders/
I was excited as the first day arrived and I met the other 47 writers. We were then told our group number and I was in group 3, which meant we were meeting every 3rd Tuesday of the month. It was a great mix of a group and I met other fabulous energies. A group of people all supporting each other. Even made new friends. From our group of 16, we were then split into smaller groups, 4 groups of 4. I maybe biased but I was so glad to be with 3 awesome energies. My buddy group was made of Dian, Ellie and Babs. At times when I have thought I am not good enough or my writings make no sense, this powerhouse trio have been there to pick me up. And then the wider 16 are just as supportive, with such great conversations happening every time we meet.
We have had awesome guest playwrights, writers’ labs alumni to come speak to us and reading amazing scenes. Looking at topics such as form, structure and character. I am reading more plays and seeing them in different views.
The Soho Theatre Writers’ Lab has been such a lifeline in a time I thought that I should retrain in another area. I question if I did miss that workshop if I would be here to day. If we weren’t in a lockdown, would I have learnt about the Writers’ Lab. I feel much more confident in myself around writing and continue to learn. The people I have around me on this journey are the best I could’ve asked for.
In a year where we continued to hear negative news about the arts world, it was a real joy to be given this life line to strengthen skills and do what I love.
We are now more than half way through the lab and I am writing my first professional play but also coming out with another play idea. Bringing together elements from previous writings and ideas. Soho Theatre really has been one of the 2020 Highlights and I look forward to the journey ahead.
I feel I am leaving with new friends and new words! Shoutout to Jules, Chris and Lakesha for making such a caring and creative environment to grow. And also to group 3 for making our Tuesdays so fun and to my buddy group for being the push I have needed.
To any folk out there who don’t think they can be writers, know that there are always people out there willing to support you. I sort of don’t want the lab to end in the summer.
Now time to go and eat some Jalebis! 😋
