About eighteen years ago my friend Ian asked if I would like to become a director of The Seagull Theatre. I agreed. It’s not as grand as it sounds. As directors we reflect on the building and the people that make up our theatre… how we can best serve our local community… provide opportunities to take part in, or watch, performances… focus on high quality provision… Directors simply gives direction.
I was out on my bike yesterday. For the second time recently I was splatted by a seagull passing overhead. My coat, head and glasses benefited from the deposit he left me with. It was a direct hit; his direction was perfect.
Last night I was invited to The Seagull to be part of an audience for the dress rehearsal of ‘Annie’ that our young people are performing later this week. We already have tickets to see the show on Saturday…
Before the show I was talking to Mark, an experienced actor and director, who’s been directing a Christmas show in Norwich. He enjoys collaborating with actors so that they have some ownership of their performance. His style as a director certainly isn’t dictatorial!
I thoroughly enjoyed Annie. The children were confident, relaxed and well-rehearsed. They told the well-known story, acting and singing with considerable skill. Directors Cerys and Emily have used their significant personal experience of performing to enable the children to produce their best.
My grandma wrote in my first Bible: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.’
My faith recognises that God is the director of my life’s journey, my life’s drama.
…Like the overhead seagull, He knows exactly where I am and where I’m going.
…Like Mark He wants to work in collaboration with me as a guide, not a dictator.
…Like Cerys and Emily He gets the best out of less confident, less experienced performers, because He’s been there and done it himself.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Well, I’m thankful you survived the pigeon episode!
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It’s supposed to bring good lick. I’m not so convinced.
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Hit twice recently?! Wow, those seagulls are speaking to you and through you. 🙂
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I think, Wynne, that word’s got round the local seagull community, and it’s deliberate campaign against me.
However, having said that, I confess I didn’t check to see that it was a seagull, so my words may demonstrate my prejudice against seagulls, and may in fact be libellous.
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What a beautiful reflection on the meaning of ‘direction’ that goes beyond mere instruction. I truly love how you connected the unexpected seagull incident with the Creator’s gentle guidance in our life’s drama. Seeing the children’s success in ‘Annie’ through the collaborative approach of Mark, Cerys, and Emily proves that the best leadership is born from a heart that guides, rather than dictates. Thank you for sharing this enlightening perspective with such a refreshing touch of humor.
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Thank you, Livora, for these kind words.. Linking directing to leading and guiding is helpful, when we look at at any sort of leadership – in the work place, in the church… in Jesus as the Good Shepherd or the light of the World… in the servant king born in a manger.
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Beautiful way to look at direction and all aspects. Top as ever, thank you xx
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Thanks, John. I learnt about directing – what works and what doesn’t work – by watching many different directors in the classroom, in the church, in the theatre – including yourself!
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