Rachael Carnes: Hi Elene! We first met last year, when you selected my play “Egg in Spoon” for your festival. I remember how heartening it was to finally get a production for this little play, that I felt like I’d submitted so many times, and it had just never landed. Now it’s been published and had multiple productions… So, thank you for the encouragement! Now we have a new show coming up, and I’m excited to see what your team does with my play “A Collective Grouping of Animals” — that I wrote on too little sleep, last summer at the Kennedy Center.
Rachael: So… What inspires your creativity?
Elene Hadjidaniel: Everything! Even what people would consider as simple every day activities – inspiration can come from that.
Along with producing an annual show via “Saw It Here First Productions” and doing my freelancing work, when I can I create my own artwork, recycled material gifts & jewellery, do editing/post production work and have recently started writing.
For example, one day my partner Ian was making a shopping list by using Amazon’s Echo Dot with “Alexa”. I was listening and just thought how it might be the case that “Alexa” may be the only voice that some people hear on a daily basis. It then got me thinking about how some elderly people might interact with “Alexa” – they may find it helps them or it may be confusing, even frightening to hear a voice but not see a face. It then it led me onto an idea about an elderly person who suffers from dementia having a conversation with “Alexa” – and that’s where my short play “All That Is Gold Cannot Stay” came from.
Another example, in terms of my art work, I met up with a lovely friend of mine who had her long hair loosely braided to one side and draped over the front of her shoulder. I absolutely loved the shape and pattern of it – so I decided to draw it! I also remember talking to a friend about studying Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” for our Theatre Studies A Level course (exams taken in the last years of high school). I was still thinking about it afterwards and came up with another design which represents Prospero’s staff. This led onto other Shakespeare related designs which I was then lucky to have sold as cards at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon, the Samuel French Bookshop in London (as it was) and even other designs related to the Bronte sisters’ novels at the Bronte Parsonage Museum in Yorkshire.
Another source of inspiration are people who have the drive, enthusiasm and passion to go for what they want to do and the people who help them get there. When you don’t have those elements, it’s such a struggle to do anything. I think this is the same for everyone, not just creatives. Projects like putting on a show will certainly have bumps along the way – but other creatives I know kept going and produced such great performances and still do! I can only hope that I can do the same. Also supporting my friends in the entertainment industry and being immensely proud of what they do inspires me and also helped lead to the idea of putting on a show.
So inspiration can come from everywhere – even surprisingly when you’re not actively looking for it!
Tell me about your work with “Saw It Here First Productions”. Where did the idea come from?
The idea actually came from scratch nights which were taking place in London, where brand new short plays were being performed. I didn’t even realise that scratch nights existed until I performed in a play by the lovely Laura Shoebottom about 3 years ago . This made me realise that I was missing the stage and I thought that a scratch night project would be a perfect opportunity to do something theatre related again. I spoke to my partner Ian Black (who is an actor) and others in the entertainment industry to see if they would be interested in taking part and they were keen. I also used social media to drum up interest in the project and thought that I would only hear from maybe around 10 people…. but I actually heard from over 100, so I thought that this was a project that could work! I wanted to make our company different though, so as well as giving creatives the opportunity to have their work showcased, I decided that we would donate the money from our ticket sales to local charities. Playwrights have their work staged; directors, actors and stage crew get to do what they love doing; the public get to see a show and money goes to charity – it’s a win-win situation for everybody!
Are there any surprises — or setbacks — that have fueled you to continue to build it?
At the time when I was contemplating starting SIHFP, I was actually in the middle of being made redundant from my full-time job. It was a pretty lengthy, uncertain and stressful process and I had gone through this experience before. It certainly was not pleasant on both occasions, so I really wanted to focus on something else rather than having the fact of not having a job soon playing on my mind and keeping me awake at night. During my first redundancy period and even after it, it was a pretty bleak time and not having something to focus on made me slip into a bit of a downward spiral. But the second time around, though that too was a challenging time, this project kept me going and gave me something to aim towards. Also, the knowledge that so many talented and professional creatives are involved in the show (we’re talking at least 50 of them) and the thought that charities rely on us to raise as much money as possible gives me the drive to make this show happen. The charities we have supported so far have had a personal link to me, so gave me the extra motivation to make sure this show takes place.
A lovely surprise which has been a great boost to keep our project going was that a short play called “Scab” by Luke Stapleton had its debut at our show last year. After Luke saw it performed (many thanks to Steve Blacker and Diana Vucane!) it encouraged him to make the 15 minute play into an hour long play…and it’s being staged at the London Vaults Festival this year! To know that we helped a writer see their work performed and to encourage them to continue with it and send it out into the big wide world of entertainment is a huge boost and we feel very privileged that their work was seen here first……and now you can see why we chose the name “Saw It Here First Productions”! I hope that us staging these plays gives others encouragement and motivation; whether it be playwrights submitting their plays elsewhere or continuing to write; directors and actors to continue with what they love doing and to even collaborate (which did actually happen with a number of our members from last year’s show!); and also to the public to see something new and different via us and supporting some wonderful charities at the same time.
What do you do for a living, and does that play into your artistic life?
My “survival job” is as an Audio Describer. Audio Description is a narrative style voice-over that describes the visual elements of a programme or film for the blind and partially sighted community. So a voice-over is used between dialogue to describe what’s happening in the scenes. It can be used for TV, film (cinema and DVD) and for the stage.
In a way, this work has played a part in my artistic life even more so recently, as I use my words and my voice (which will be pre-recorded for one of the characters) in my very first written play “All That Is Gold Does Not Stay”, as mentioned earlier. It will be staged at our show coming up in March at the Theatro Technis theatre in London. I’m very excited to see how director Christine Mears and her chosen actor will decide to perform it!
What’s the earliest memory you have of the arts? Music, dance, theatre, visual art — Whatever!
I would say the earliest memory I have is a show in the late 80s in a very small puppet theatre called “The Little Angel Theatre”, which is based in Islington in North London, and specialises in puppetry shows for children. I remember seeing “Amahl and the Night Visitors” there. I was fascinated by these life-size puppets, their movements, their songs, and the fact that you could actually tell a story on a stage. In 1991, my family and I moved to Cyprus and lived there for about 6 years. Whenever we came back to England to visit family, we would always try to catch a show; and every time I returned, my love for theatre grew even more. While we lived in Cyprus, theatre performances were scarce. But I do remember British touring companies visiting every summer and they would put on a show – usually a Shakespeare play. Though my understanding of Shakespearean language was limited, I still always looked forward to it. We moved back to England when I was 14 years old – and I knew that I was always happy whenever I went to the theatre.
Looking to 2020, what do you feel most excited about creatively?
I am very excited about our next show coming up called “From Script to Stage”, which will be showcasing 8 brand new short plays in March – each night will be different! We have a wonderful group of playwrights (including your lovely self, Rachael!), directors and actors whose work will be featured over these two evenings, along with our fabulous technician Xander. Money from our ticket sales will be going towards a fantastic charity called “The Moira Fund”, who help those traumatically bereaved by the manslaughter/murder of a loved one (e.g help with funeral costs, counselling, respite and needs which may arise and for which there is no current provision.) This is run by Beatrice and Hu Jones who set up the charity in memory of their daughter Moira who was murdered in 2008. As well as for Moira, we are dedicating this show to a friend and work colleague of mine called Cathy, who was murdered in 2017. The fact that we are all going to come together to put on a show for such a wonderful cause is truly incredible and I am truly touched and humbled by everyone donating their time and talent towards this.
How do you balance creative life and all of the rest of it?
Haha! – this is a hard question to answer…as I don’t really have an answer! I don’t even know if I’m getting the balancing right myself. It’s been just over a year since starting the freelancing life and I’m still trying to get used to it. I think I’m getting there, but one thing I believe it has taught me is that giving your every hour of the day to earning a living…is not living. You need to make some time to do the things you enjoy – though this is a lot easier said than done. I’m still guilty of not doing this and find that I still work late into the evenings and that work can overtake things. So, in all honesty, I don’t know if I’ve got my balancing act in shape – but I do try!
What’s it like making art in your community? Tell us about London!
To me, London is a bit like a kaleidoscope. At every turn, you get such a fascinating range of patterns, colours and shapes. So through art, we have such a mix of creatives, talents, cultures and backgrounds…and we are extremely fortunate to be able to have the freedom to express these, be it through plays, dance, music, poetry, paintings, sculptures etc. There is certainly a lot to see in London which can give creative ideas and inspiration. Though a lot of art is underfunded and it seems that it is becoming a diminished subject in the educational system, it’s refreshing and reassuring that people are determined to keep it going and share with the public. Even people who cover a range of talents and backgrounds come together to make plays, films and other forms of artwork with whatever they have to hand. For example, every couple of months, my partner Ian and I meet up with a wonderful group of friends who each have their own unique skills – we have a cinematographer, a film director, an investment operations manager, a mask and puppet maker, a potter, a music composer, a photographer, a sound designer/producer, a copy-editor/proofreader, an archaeologist by day and milliner the rest of the time (I kid you not!), a massage therapist, Audio Describers, actors and writers! There have been a few times when we have got together to make some short films, which have been accepted into film festivals – and a number of these fabulous people have also helped with our show too! So it’s a fantastic example of how people can collaborate and how art can be made in London with such diversity, freedom and combining of ideas and inspiration – you’ve just to get out there and explore it!
How ‘bout your family? Who’s in your inner circle, and how do they support your work?
There are 5 main members of my family/inner circle….
– My father Christakis: a retired (then not retired – then might retire – then “I’m still thinking about it”) electrician from Cyprus.
– My mother Briony: a retired primary school teacher from Kent, who was also an interior designer. A champion knitter, sewer, card maker, patchwork creator – you name it, she can make it!
– My older sister Youla: a teacher and Head of the Science Department in a secondary school. Singer, beekeeper, globetrotter and awesome maker of Christmas Puddings!
– My partner Ian: Actor, gardener and chef extraordinaire and of course an absolute trooper (i.e he puts up with my worries, my insanity and my mad cat lady moments)
– My cat Theodopolopodopodopodous….
As well as being an actor, Ian also used to run his own touring theatre company, so knows how to deal with the administrative, financial and creative side of putting on a show. His advice towards SIHFP’s events has been extremely invaluable and without his support, our events would not happen. With my family, they have attended almost every show I have performed in – even when I had one of my biggest roles as the narrator for “A Story, A Story”…when I was 6 years old! When I tell them about my work for SIHFP, they have been enthusiastic and tell their friends about it, so everyone’s support has also meant the world to me.
What art knocked your socks off recently? Could be a play — Or an album, a movie, an exhibit, a novel, anything! — What made you connect with the art and the artist’s work?
Ahhhhh – there’s so muuuuch!!! Does it just have to be one thing?!……Hmmm…….well, something that being an Audio Describer has made me more aware of (and I honestly didn’t think it would)…is paying attention to music and soundtracks in a film/programme. There are some absolute gems I have been introduced to which fit the piece perfectly through its lyrics or melodies. It may even reflect on something I may have been thinking about, or the way I am feeling at that particular moment, or evoke a certain emotion. I remember when I was an offline video/film editor, I absolutely loved editing to music – the satisfaction there is when cutting to a beat or matching a certain motif with a facial expression or a specific motion is indescribable.
Some brilliant pieces/bands which come to mind are Wardruna, Greta Van Fleet, Tyler Bates, Hans Zimmer, The Weepies, Alexandre Desplat, Daniel Pemberton, Gustavo Santaolalla, Avi Belleli, Thomas Newman, Evanthia Reboutsika, Lord Huron, Barns Courtney, Perkelt, The Hu………
…….I’m sorry, I know you said one, but I just can’t, I really can’t!!! Haha!
Oooooh, there are also so many films and programmes that are amazing to watch too!….but I’ll stop there…
……but I would really recommend – no I’ll stop…
….I will……….
What’s next on the horizon for your creative world?
I would like to get back into my art work, as I’ve been missing it. I do have ideas that I’ve picked up from visiting places and would like to get down to creating more designs. Also we are hoping to stage another weekend show for SIHFP in 2021. We will be doing a playwrights’ call out around May/June time. We ask for scripts that are between 10 -15 minutes long, have a maximum of 4 characters and have minimal effects in terms of set, sound, lighting and music – we would rather the focus be on the words and performances themselves rather than the set and effects……so follow us on our website at www.sawitherefirst.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sihfpro and stay tuned!
Any advice for someone just starting out in this art form?
Be prepared! (Don’t worry, I won’t burst into Scar’s song from “Lion King”) What I mean is start planning early, research early and put the feelers out early. In my opinion, the key is to plan and keep on top of things, as the last thing you want is to lose control of your own show. Also, a lot of people are giving up their time to help put the show together, so always appreciate what they are doing and let them know this, as I feel it’s really important to keep a good relationship with those who are taking part.
How do you relax and unwind?
Doing my artwork is quite therapeutic, as my designs have repetitive patterns, so it’s a good way to unwind. I have also been getting into audio books and when I can, I go for a walk and listen to them. Ones I’ve been enjoying and can recommend are “Parsnips buttered” by Joe Lycett, “From Here to Eternity: Travelling the World to Find the Good Death” and also “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by Caitlin Doughty and “Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls” by Jes Baker. Audiobooks seem to help stop my mind from having thoughts buzzing around and they actually help me drift off to sleep at night, as I do have episodes of sleeplessness due to thinking about things and re-evaluating too much!
Where can we find your work?
With SIHFP, you can find us on www.sawitherefirst.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sihfpro. We hold annual shows (usually at the start of Spring) and raise money for local charities as well as showcase creatives’ short plays and perform ances. This year our weekend show will be on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March at the Theatro Technis theatre in Camden, London. The shows start at 7.30pm. (On the Saturday my play “All That Is Gold Does Not Stay” will have its debut!) Tickets can be bought via our website too and money goes towards “The Moira Fund”
In terms of my Audio Description work, I think it depends on which region you live in, but you’ll be able to hear my voice on certain films, DVDs and TV channels. You may hear me every now and then on ITV’s “Endeavour”, “Emmerdale” and other programmes. (You will need to choose the “Audio Description” option on your TV settings) With films at the cinema, it will all depend on which film I have been allocated to work on, but with DVDs, you’ll be able to hear me on Disney’s “Frozen 2” and “Aladdin”, Warner Brother’s “Wonderwoman” and all four Lego Movie films (“The Lego Movie” 1 & 2, “Batman” and “Ninjago”), Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Cold War” and Park Chan-wook’s “The Handmaiden”. (Again, you will need to switch on the Audio Description setting on the DVD’s menu). There are some programmes and films which do not have my voice featured, but I have written the full script for the audio description or have contributed in the writing. Two such films are Netflix’s “Dancing with the Birds” and a full length documentary called “For Sama”, which recently won a BAFTA award and is nominated for an Oscar award.
With my art work and jewellery, you can go to my page on Facebook www.facebook.com/eleneartwork
If your cat could describe you in three words, what would he choose?
“I’m. Judging. You”
I realise that this is not describing me, but I have an ongoing joke about Theo – there are certain looks and stares he gives me that just look like he’s judging me. I even take photos (when he lets me!) and add on little quotes that I think he might be saying to me at the time. Goodness knows what goes on inside his cute fuzzy head (and he even has a marking on his back that looks like a big arrow pointing to his head!) but we love him!
