Could you first introduce yourself to the readers?
Hello, we are Teatro Pomodoro, an international theatre company with members from all over the world. We are; Carmen Arquelladas from Spain, Duncan Cameron from Canada, Leebo Luby from Liverpool, Miwa Nagai from Japan and Simone Tani from Italy. We met (as we are sure you're wondering) while studying together in Paris at Ecole Philippe Gaulier, and as Leebo is based in Liverpool, he coaxed us all to the Uk.
Could you describe your act for us?
A fresh and shameless show with an eclectic mix of theatre, dark comedy and live music; a crazy hall of mirrors presenting a disturbing world far more familiar than you may like to admit.
Why did you want to perform at Brighton Fringe?
Firstly, Brighton is a very vibrant city, and the Fringe is an important theatre festival, we've always wanted to do it, and we have a show that is ready to tour, so it's a no-brainer!
Why did you decide to apply for WINDOW?
We think WINDOW is exactly what we need for the future of our show as well as our company. As we are currently preparing to tour Cabaret From The Shadows, WINDOW will help us become much more visible to producers and venue bookers.
How did you react to being told you'd been selected to be showcased?
YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!! This is a great opportunity for us, we are all very excited!
How has it helped you so far?
We have seen more interest on our social media pages from people outside of the Northwest. Also, we've been selling seats since the box office has opened.
What is the best part of your job?
We all get quite a lot out of making theatre and performing our creations! For each of us there are various differences;
Carmen- To be on the stage with material that we create ourselves, and to hear the audience laughing.
Duncan- I really love the Eureka moment when you create material that finds you giggling to yourself and the excitement of putting it in front of an audience.
Leebo- I get to play a red B.C Rich Mockingbird onstage every night. I'm living my childhood dream!
Miwa- When I most enjoy myself on stage is when I can feel the energy from audience.
Simone- I love being on stage, especially in those moments when you are "in the zone" and it feels like time stops and you are one with the audience and the other actors. It's possibly the best feeling I've ever experienced.
Conversely, what has been the most challenging?
The biggest challenge for us at the moment is taking the steps outside of the Northwest, into the world of national tours.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Duncan- I have a few songs that I rap to warm up my mouth and I find juggling really helps to focus me and calm my nerves
Carmen- I don't usually have time to have a ritual as I also do the makeup for the cast, but I usually double and triple check all the props
Leebo- If I have one around I play guitar to relax, but usually I listen to music on my headphones and dance.
Simone- I get behind the wings almost as soon as the house is open and I try to listen for the audience chatting before the shows.
What is the process you go through when looking to create a new show? Are you very disciplined or do you need to be strict with yourself?
We need to be strict, but we are getting much better at it. Improvisation plays a significant role in our creation.
What do you think has been the most dramatic change to the industry in the last five years?
We've only been a company in the Uk for the past few years, so we are still learning the ropes here, but social media and technology has really changed the game.
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
Carmen- Costume designer for a big scale company
Duncan- Pro-Wrestler
Leebo- Screenwriter, Musician or Scientist
Simone- A farmer in a small organic farm. I grew up in the countryside, and as a child I would find any excuse to avoid helping my parents to grow vegetables or taking care of plants, but now I miss it.
Miwa- Professional Traveller
Imagine you possess the power to send one message back in time to 16-year- old you. What do you say?
Carmen- Always put your jewellery in your bag!!!
Leebo- Rough Quest, Encore en Peu, Superior Finish.....He'll know what I mean.
Simone- Whatever makes you feel very sad or worried now, remember that when you look back at it after, you will probably laugh about it. This was a great piece of advice that a friend gave me when we were sharing a sad moment of our lives, and she was right.
Duncan- FOCUS!
Miwa- Go for it!!!
What advice would you give to young people who want to enter the industry?
Don't let the fear of making mistakes hold you back
Where can people find you on the internet, and find out more about your show?
www.teatropomodoro.com | www.cabaretfromtheshadows.com
Photo: Photo by AB Photography / Andrew Ab
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