I recently met up with my friend and former voice coach, Jules Craig, to talk about her new project. An established actor and writer, Jules told me she was planning a one woman show called, Edith, Elizabeth and I. OK, so what? you might be thinking. It’s not that unusual for someone to write a one woman show. I agree, this is true. This however, is a one woman show that takes on the role of not one, but three leading ladies.
Now these really are leading ladies. To begin with is none other than Edith Sitwell, a poet, editor, and dame. Edith who? Edith was a celebrated figure of her time, well known for her witty remarks such as, "Why not be oneself? That is the whole secret of a successful appearance. If one is a greyhound, why try to look like a Pekingese?" I confess to Jules that I haven’t actually ever heard of Edith Sitwell before. I feel embarrassed as it turns out Edith is actually a pretty big deal.
Jules educates me in a nutshell, breaking it down to tell me that as a poet, Edith is sometimes referred to as the 'Godmother of Rap' – "Not in a getting down with the kids' way", Jules says, "but because in her famous work Façade, she played with words, sound and image. Plus, it was all set to music by Will.i.am Walton. OK, he was called William and they weren’t the Black Eyed Peas…but they were innovative… (innit)." At this point, I don’t want to also confess that I am not even that down with the kids to know much about the Black Eyed Peas, and besides I still get the picture.
After a persistent Google search when I get home, I conclude that Edith was indeed an intelligent, stylish and iconic female. As well as a poet and writer, she was also an unconventional style guru, wearing turbans, hats, big jewellery, et cetera. Fashion students across the globe still use Edith as inspiration. Plus, Edith had a really excellent nose. A nose that appeals to Jules in particularly, as it resembles her own.
To earn a crust Edith Sitwell wrote prose, including several books about Elizabeth I, making her also a feminist icon. This is where the second leading lady, Elizabeth, comes into the play. Now everyone must know who Elizabeth I is. If not, it’s your time to Google.
So where does the ‘I’ come in? I ask Jules. "That’s me!" Jules announces. "I’m the unreliable storyteller, trying to avoid work in an office whilst waiting for my next acting job, looking a bit like Edith. It's all in the nose and, as my friend said, 'big noses can be funny'. But, Edith doesn’t turn out to be the person I think she is, and arrives to put me right. Then Elizabeth shows up …"
Edith and Elizabeth never married or had families. "They are strong, unconventional female role models, known for their intelligence, individualism and really good noses. So why not put them on a stage together and see what happens?" I nod my head with respect, then pointing out that Jules will be there too, of course. Actually, it will be Jules the whole time.
Edith, Elizabeth and I is currently a work in progress, and Jules is working with Directors Simon Magnus and Ralf Higgins. From reading Jules blog, I am in no doubt that the stories and background information have been thoroughly researched. For example, both Jules and Simon have eaten cheesecake with Edith’s great nephew, the charming William Sitwell. They have visited Edith’s childhood homes and haunts. Jules even got to try on some of Edith Sitwell’s hats and received a speeding fine for the privilege. You will have to read her blog for that particular story.
I feel excited to see what is next for Jules’ adventures of research and writing. Recently, the Arts Council has given the project some development money. However, the rest of the funding is currently being raised through a crowdfunding site so that the show can also be performed throughout 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Edith Sitwell's death.
I am sure you will agree with me when I say this is a unique project spotlighting female talent and educating people on these fascinating female icons.
If this is a project you would like to know more about, or donate to, please watch the video on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo HERE.
Like the Facebook page HERE.
Follow on Twitter HERE.
Jules Craig is an actor, deviser, and writer.
Edith, Elizabeth and I’s website
Interview by Jane Postlethwaite – Actor, Comedian & Writer
Picture: Jules Craig
