Made this piece during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The words are as documented by writer, Tara Osman, from words heard in and around North Paddington food bank, London. Performed by actors who kindly volunteered their time to help.
Born in Cape Town, South Africa. Immersed in theatre as a young child. My first subsequent ‘homes’ included the original Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, a ‘former doss-house and brothel also known as ‘Kelly’s Paradise’ and ‘Hell’s Kitchen’. – “a long, low-ceilinged first-floor room barely 15ft wide by 8ft high”[2] with 60 seats salvaged from the Palace Cinema placed in two blocks on either side of the stage’. My childhood ‘bedroom’ in the corner of the space was made from old tea chests.
First, paid job as a child actor in 1975 with The Lindsay Kemp Mime Troupe.
Mentored by Tony Fegan while at Holland Park Comprehensive School, and then at Battersea Arts Centre where Tony was Artistic Director. Following Tony’s guidance, I trained at Drama Centre, London (group 23) – ´Prospero´s Isle´-from 1983-84 under Christopher Fettes & Yat Malmgren. Re-trained in Meisner Technique with Simon Furness 2010-2012.
I now teach and coach professional actors.
Some things people have said with regard to my work:
“Working with Lawrence was one of the deepest experiences I ever had. To find our true responses we worked hard to rip off those masks that we unconsciously put in ourselves in order to live “safely” in society. Lawrence is an inexhaustible digger and he, sometimes gently, sometimes harder, depending on what is needed, will guide you and help you to find that treasure behind all the rubbish. I’m just waiting for a new opportunity to work with him again“~ Diego Akselrad, actor
“We were very grateful that you not only jumped straight into the work, but you were also incredibly generous with your feedback and insights…We will certainly keep you at the top of our list for future”
~ David Knight, LCC
“Thank you for your thoughts and indeed contributions…you offered something very inspiring”
~ Ninna Bohn Pedersen, LCC
Lawrence O'Connor 