SJ | Actor | Poet | Photographer | Creator and Curator of (re)markable project | “Victoria” Canada
Instagram: @essjay.v and @remarkableproject and @essjay.v.photo
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
I had the opportunity to move to Edinburgh for six months to work and travel and study stage combat and intimacy directing. I really got to reconnect with myself and a lot of the things I’m passionate about.
.
.
2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
I went through a pretty significant depressive episode this year. I had struggled with anxiety but I’d never not been able to get out of bed before, and certainly not for a long stretch of time. It really forced me to address a lot of my trauma and put more time and intention into healing.
.
.
3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
I hope societally we can become better communicators. I think we’re afraid of important conversations personally, professionally, and politically. Whether that’s bringing consent education and intimacy directing into theatre spaces, or holding space to listen to BIPOC and other marginalized communities, I think especially those of us with privilege need to be better listeners.
.
.
4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
I worry about inaction and apathy, both for myself and on a global scale. It’s easy to show up online and feel like we’ve done the work, but to dismantle systems that are oppressing people and killing the planet we actually need to listen and learn and show up in ways that are active and meaningful. History shows we have a very short attention span.
.
.
5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
I guess if I have to pick just one I’ll go with Cameron Esposito. I really admire the way she uses her platform as an artist. She is thoughtful and intentional in the conversations she’s having and the material she’s addressing, and elevates voices while staying in her lane.
.
.
6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
Say the thing you’re afraid to say.