Interviews

Five Reasons To See … Autobiographer

Melanie Wilson tours her new production, Autobiographer throughout the UK and to Ireland this Autumn, playing the Albany in Deptford from 15 to 17 September 2011.

Wilson is a London-based performer, writer and sound artist. Autobiographer draws us into the unravelling mind of the central character, 76 year old Flora, combining a lyrical text and immersive staging with her enigmatic and compelling performance style.

A cast of four: Janet Henfrey, Alice Lamb, Penelope McGhie and Wilson play Flora simultaneously at different stages of her life.

Wilson gives


1. Melanie Wilson is one of the ‘people to watch’ on the contemporary theatre scene.

One of the UK’s most stylish and compelling theatre artists, Wilson has been described by the Guardian as “a genuinely disarming performer… part of a generation of artists easing British theatre in to the 21st century.” She was also selected for the British Council Showcase at Edinburgh Festival this year.

2. Wilson is a sound artist and performer combining the two disciplines with electric effect.

She makes performances, installations and sound walks centring on the use of sound as a distinct, immersive agency powerfully evocative of place linked to state of mind. Music OMH called her “one of the brightest lights of experimental theatre.”

3. Autobiographer explores the subject of dementia from a different angle.

Not concerned with causes or cures of dementia, Autobiographer is an exploration of one woman’s experience and the effect on her sense of identity. Flora is played by four actors at the same time – including 76 year old Janet Henfrey.

4. Autobiographer is supported by an Arts Award from the Wellcome Trust.

These performances mark the culmination of an extensive research and development period funded by an Arts Award from the Wellcome Trust. Wilson researched the subject of dementia through contact with both medical specialists working with people living with the disease and their carers.

5. Fuel have produced this new production with her.

Founded in 2004, and led by Louise Blackwell and Kate McGrath, Fuel is a producing organisation working in partnership with some of the most exciting artists in the UK to develop, create and present new work for all ages. Recent Fuel shows include Electric Hotel and The Simple Things In Life.


Fuel is currently working with Will Adamsdale, Clod Ensemble, Inua Ellams, Fevered Sleep, The Future is Unwritten, David Rosenberg, Sound & Fury, Uninvited Guests and Melanie Wilson.



Autobiographer plays the Albany in Deptford from 15 to 17 September 2011.