Mother of The month
1. What’s your name, and your children's names and ages? Where are you based? What kind of making do you do or dream of doing?
Alice Robinson, Arthur, 2.5 yr.
Based in Stretford Manchester.
I am a Theatre Maker, Clown and Yoga Practitioner.
2. How do you do it?! How do you make it work?
I could answer this one differently each day and mentally sometimes I'm not sure how or why I do it. If I am directing, performing or producing a show and we're at the stage where I need to be in a room with the team, I make it possible to be there. Otherwise I fit in the admin around everything else.
My partner and I are in the same profession, which has its pros and cons. It means we can juggle childcare with work, but means we can't both do a big project at the same time. It works because I want it to. Sometimes I dream of working in a library. But I'm dyslexic so that would terrify me! But somewhere calm and simple where I can leave work at work.
Being self employed this never happens. If I don't have the mum-guilt, I've got the work guilt!
The admin literally never stops!
3. How has your mothering impacted your making?
Being a mother has made me value my time and myself much more. This has definitely enhanced my work. I am less scared to take risks, but also accept (begrudgingly) that I can't do it all! I am a busy person, but motherhood has helped me enjoy the slow days. I've been challenged so much in Arty's short life, that concerns I used to have about not being good enough are lessened. Along with shaving my legs- I have less time to bother!
Most of all being a mum to Arty makes me laugh harder and love deeper, which impacts on everything I do.
4. And vice versa?
My making nourishes me and nourishes him. This makes me really happy. He is marvellous and I know it's because we are makers! He comes to the theatre workshops I run, he loves to do yoga, plays with my props, is sociable, adaptable and a beautiful clown.
5. The best thing? The hardest?
The best thing is creating a life that works for us with no ties.
The worst thing is creating a life that works for us with no guarantees.
6. Future dreams?
To be making theatre and making Arty proud.
To stay playful as he grows up, to be able to support him as much as I am supported.
Coming Up
Alice’s latest piece 'In The Gut' is riotous character comedy about the facts of life with a twist! This bold and hilarious show features dancing sperm, audience challenges, catchy music, grotesque imagery and moments of poignant pathos. Find it at Brighton Fringe 4th, 5th, 6th May 2019.
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