“In my practice, I wish to recognise society’s oppressive hierarchical structures, their impact on the stories we make and the creative processes we use to make them. I believe in theatre’s transformative power, within and outside its perimeters.”
Monica Silkenäs
Monica is a director, maker, producer and facilitator from Bristol, UK and Sydney, Australia, based in London. Monica went from Bristol Old Vic's ‘Made in Bristol’ to train at University of Exeter’s Drama department and Bristol Vic Theatre School. Her focus was on devised, site-specific and movement practice. She has a strong interest in new writing and unusual text, Australian voices and female-driven stories.
Monica directed SH*T by Patricia Cornelius (site specific), Tiny Dynamite by Abi Morgan (Wardrobe Theatre), and Nothing Compares 2 You by Mark Fenton R&D (Bristol Old Vic Weston Studio). She worked as assistant director on Offie nominated Mid Life by Sheila Chapman R&D (Brighton Dome) and Katie Bonna’s As You Like It by Shakespeare (Malcom X Centre). In 2023 she also directed the short film, Verity Vegas Competitive ASMR by Eva Hudson and audio play Chances by Hannah Khan. Monica has worked with a range of multi-disciplinary performers, from emerging artists to professional actors. She has also worked as an assistant producer for Mayfest, Bristol, as a workshop leader in schools and youth theatre settings. Monica’s lived experience of neurodivergence and invisible illness lends her practice a powerful awareness of safe creative processes and spaces.