In august, artist fabia ward will present her very first, professional live performance and we were thrilled, nay honoured, that she wanted to do it at wonderwood.
SO, WHO IS FABIA?
Fabia first started working in Holbeck Urban Village, at The Foundry Wine Bar, when she was in 6th form. Now she has just completed her degree in Contemporary Theatre and Dance from the University of Hull, gaining an impressive 1st class degree. Fabia currently works part time in both Out of the Woods and The Cross Keys, and we caught up with her in between shifts for a quick drink in the Midnight Bell where some of her artwork is proudly on display.
So Fabia, firstly a huge CONGRATULATIONS on your results, that’s fantastic.
Thank you so much, I’m really pleased!
Why Wonderwood then?
I really wanted to be able to do this first piece of work since finishing my course in Holbeck Urban Village – I love it down here. I’ve worked here for so long and know many of the people who live and work here; it’s my Leeds second home so it made complete sense for me to do something where I know people will be interested and supportive. Wonderwood is just perfect though, such a creative space right in the middle of everything, it really suits the work I want to do.
Yes, tell me a bit about that.
I’ll tell you a little bit, I want it to be a surprise really for everyone that comes down…
Oooh now I’m intrigued, go on then, what can you tell us…
OK, it’s called ‘S’wonderful’ and it started out from the piece I did for my university finals but has evolved and changed quite a lot since then. As I am an artist as well as a dancer, I really wanted to do something incorporating both elements so performance art seemed the way to go. Without giving the game away, there will be lots of music, lots of paint and I will be performing it
all in a big, white, open fronted box
on Wonderwood.
It sounds amazing Fabia.
I hope so!
What will you do if it rains though?
The brilliant guys at the Underground Ballroom [four railway arches just off Water Lane that have been transformed into a small theatre and workshop spaces – ED] have said that I can go there, but fingers crossed it will be a lovely sunny day…
I’m sure it will, the sun always shines in Holbeck doesn’t it? Anyway, what would you say to people to encourage them to come down and check it out but aren’t sure it’s for them? I’d say they should give it a try. I want people to just come and enjoy themselves, watch the piece with a smile on their face and go home, or wherever, having experienced something unexpected but fun. I make art that I enjoy myself but also for others to enjoy – I’m not really trying to send out any serious messages or anything, it’s far more straightforward than that.
Thanks Fabia, we’ll be there but I’m sure we’ll see you around before then I’m sure.
Thanks for letting me use the space on Wonderwood, I can’t wait.
Our pleasure.