In Memory of Leaves on a Boat | Rewrite This Story interview

In Conversation With Natasha Langridge | In Memory of Leaves | Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor

Following on from Memoirs of a Tree, Natasha Langridge returns with, In Memory of Leaves. This monologue describes Natasha’s experience living in a block of flats on the Portobello Road council estate, which is being torn down by developers, and how all of her surroundings and green spaces are rapidly changing. The monologue also explores her work in Calais with the Occupy movement and the sadness people feel when they have to say goodbye to "home".

Did you grow up writing or was there something or someone which inspired you to write?

"I’ve always written but I never showed anyone until after I’d started acting. I loved interpreting other writers work but I found that I had something to say too so I took my courage and showed my own work to other writer friends who, luckily, encouraged me to get it out there."

As well as writing, you perform and direct. How do you juggle each string to your bow and how do you smoothly transition from one to another?

"I’ve got a very nice hat for each job and I look forward to wearing each one. I’m not sure I do anything smoothly except drinking wine."

Have you got any other quirky, hidden passions you’d like to pursue?

"I went on a sailing trip recently. On an old Thames Sailing Barge. The main mast was 70ft high. I watched the mate climb the rigging. I helped unfurl the sail. I learnt how to tie a bowline knot. I helped steer the ship. I watched the moon rise up over the sea. I quite fancy being a pirate."

What’s your writing setup like? Do you have a certain playlist or drink you always have with you?

"My vape. I move around to different places in my flat with my laptop. Or I sit on the floor with huge amounts of scrunched up paper strewn around me. Writing is terrifying. Like walking a tightrope."

In Memory of Leaves is extremely personal, did you feel a sense of pressure putting such an important story out into the world?

"I felt a sense of compulsion. I’d just seen a beautiful park beneath my window massacred and felt I had to write about it and then shout about it. I am bearing witness to the ‘regeneration’ of my estate and of London and I have to tell its story-or my part in that story."

What’s the number one message you want people to take away from the show?

"Live. From your heart. Speak out against injustice. We are living in a world run by psychopaths. We are living in a society based on a psychopathic model. Do whatever you can to protect love, all life and community."

Finally, what’s your number one piece of advice for anyone hoping to get into the performing industry, be it writing, performing, directing or anything else?

"Do it. Don’t wait for anyone else. Or for the phone to ring. Get some good training and make your own work."

In Memory of Leaves is being performed on a wide beam barge across three London locations.