Issy Sheridan - From the Wind Interview

Why pick "From the Wind" to star in for your return to the Fringe? What about it spoke to you?

I chose to become involved in From The Wind as I love how it takes inspiration from real stories. The verbatim aspect of theatre has always appealed to me, as someone who hopes to make a career out of storytelling, and I was intrigued to see how we could bring these stories to life. I also love how From The Wind delivers multiple different perspectives, emphasising how there is no simple solution to the environmental crisis.

2. How did your life in theatre/the environment lead you to this play?

I have a longstanding passion for theatre and acting, having actively engaged in the drama scene from a young age and performing both for stage and television. In 2015, I took a two-woman show to the Edinburgh Fringe and was delighted to have it reviewed as ‘one of the most fantastically unsettling shows you will see at this year’s Fringe.’ I am looking forward to returning to the Fringe this year to perform in two new productions, ‘Swallows’, and ‘From The Wind.’ Previous theatre credits include: ‘Face To The Wall’, ’Sweeney Todd,’ ’Tribes’, ’The Ghost Train.'

3. "From the Wind" has multiple main characters. How is the cast bonding? What do you like about the dynamic?

With a short rehearsal period there is quite often the assumption that a team won’t bond quickly enough to create something magical. This could not be further from the truth for the From The Wind team. I have enjoyed every moment spent with my fellow cast and crew. We have worked tirelessly to produce this show, yet never forgetting to laugh along the way.

4. You've been once - what are you most looking forward to this Fringe festival?

I always love attending the Fringe, it’s the best place to be in August! I’m looking forward to being a part of a project that is fundamentally changing the face of Fringe theatre for the better. Through The Greenhouse we want to emphasize that great art can be both sustainable and accessible, and I think that that is a really important message. I’m also really excited to perform at the Fringe again, having last performed in 2015 when I took a two-woman show to the festival which was reviewed as ‘one of the most fantastically unsettling shows you will see at this year’s fringe.’ I think that the atmosphere at the Fringe is electric, and this year more than ever I am excited to be making my mark on the festival. It fits the ethos that no mark is too little, and I think that that is an especially important message when it comes to making real change like The Greenhouse project is aiming to do.

5.  What about your character specifically in "From the wind" excited you/drew you in?

I think Helen appeals to me as a character as she represents an unfortunately common voice when it comes to the environmental crisis: ‘it’s a problem, but not my problem.’ Helen reminds us that making change is an effort, there’s no denying it, but that everyone has the ability to listen to the problem and do their bit to help even if overwhelmed with the mundane of their everyday life. I like the message she sends, and I also can’t deny how much I enjoy her sassiness.