YDF25 Artist 05 Q&A: Phoebe McSweeney

What’s your background?

I am originally from Scarborough in Yorkshire, during my younger studies I discovered drama and used it as a way of communicating and helping my voice be heard. I moved to Liverpool to study at LIPA in Applied Theatre and Community Drama and haven’t left since.

Who are your biggest influences? Artistically? Who inspired you to become an artist?

My biggest influences are:
Louis Theroux- I learnt about the world we live in through his documents and it made me research more artistic ways of learning about ourselves and the communities we live in.
Jodie Comer- I saw the trend of her being involved in things which were political and how she uses theatre to engage audiences to make a difference.

How have you developed your career? (From student to artist)

I have said yes! I have been a facilitator, director, manager, actress, stage manager, coordinator, my answer is saying yes to projects I work on projects I am interested in which means my engagement and presents is high, it has also allowed me to expand my skills through expanding my artistic journey. The people I have met have expanded my networks and I am a full time freelance practitioner. I won’t lie it is not easy, however the quote ‘If it’s not hard it’s not worth doing’.

What does your work as an artist aim to say?

‘Question things, look at this piece of theatre and don’t let it leave your mind, have questions, have opinions and spread open dialogue to create a difference rather than fighting with a losing battle. Open Dialogue and openness is the answer to change’

How does your work comment on current social or political issues? And if it does why is that important to you? Or if your work doesn’t comment on the current social or political issues what does it focus on instead?

The recent Rwanda asylum plan has created a media bias towards asylum seekers in the UK. A plan that dehumanizes and has passed as unlawful is being pushed forward by the British prime minister (Guardian, 2023). Asylum seekers faced marginalization before this plan and matters are getting worse as the media use prejudiced language such as “stopping the boats’ ‘ and “you should not be able to remain here’’. This is creating a ‘Them and Us’ narrative between Asylum Seekers and British citizens. I want to develop the creative industry with individuals seeking asylum to give them a way of telling their stories and being heard.

At what point did you begin to call yourself an artist? What was it that made you think ‘I am an artist!’?

I have started calling myself an artist recently actually, i think since i have worked with more artists on projects and can call it work.

How do you seek out opportunities for work and practice?

I apply for a lot of bids, I look at groups that may have low artists provision and pitch creative projects to them.

What current trends or area of work are you currently focusing on?

Theatre for Social Change

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I worked in an ice cream parlour for 6 years, I started working there at just 13 years old. Now I feel the ice cream angels look after me as everytime I get an ice cream I get more than the people around me.

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