About The Writer’s Mark
The Writer’s Mark is a surrealist company, based in Brighton (United Kingdom) that focuses on celebrating/exploring the ‘worlds’ of surreal writers and visionaries from our past; through the mediums of art and theatre.
Natasha Higdon
Founder and Artistic Director
Our Founder and Artistic Director Natasha Higdon began The Writer’s Mark in August 2023 and in just one year the company has held events in both Brighton and London. The Writer’s Mark has currently explored two writer’s from our past, from the 20th Century – Franz Kafka (1883-1924) and Antonin Artaud (1896-1948). Events taken place this year have been held at: Fabrica Arts Centre, The Regency Town House and Proposition Studios.
Our Company delves into the psychology and visceral imprint of each writer – their legacy, what they leave behind and how this can be interpretated through physical theatre, art, mime, text and ensemble. Research and a ‘need’ to explore the human condition, processes and the livelihoods of each writer is an essential part of the process. Some well known writers yes, and perhaps also those who were never considered part of the surrealist movement or valued within this pathway of free thinking – or indeed being a writer or artist within their own right.
Contemplation – Fabrica 2024
Kafka Series
“What ignites my resilience to develop and continue each project – is the writers themselves. Their lives, letters, art and works. This is vital. Each artist/writer has had to overcome personal struggles and yet, continues to produce work that speaks to us in both a conscious plane and a more spiritual existence. Within this process is a need to connect with literature, art and within this a world beyond words – how often do we now receive a letter, and yet reading a letter is so fulfilling and a means of great importance to all of the writers.” Natasha Higdon
Community
The Writer’s Mark continues to grow and has been supported by amazing actors, designers, artists and theatre makers. Forming our core team is: Natasha Higdon (Founder and Artistic Director), Molly O’Neill (Researcher and Artist) and El Locksmith (Designer and Illustrator). Back in 2023, local Sussex based artists had to put forward a ‘proposal’ for an intended art installation, that would be influenced by their research and interest in the existential writer – Franz Kafka (1883 – 1924). This would then form part of our Kafka launch in February 2024, where the writer could be celebrated and explored through the eyes of the artist. In addition to the artists, the event held three separate performances that explored the life of the writer and his works: Contemplation (1913). All actors and artists involved in this project were volunteers and local to the Sussex Community.
We are so proud of the success of this event and are so grateful to the supporters at Fabrica, Slack City Radio, to Fringe Review UK and Brighton Spiegeltent for donating their lighting equipment for the Launch. As a small company we endeavor to seek funding to continue the development of existing work and up-coming projects. In the meantime, check out our posts that document our journey of exploration into the world of ‘Kafka’ and enjoy reading through our audience feedback.
Our Work (Theatre and Art)
In July and August 2024, The Writer’s Mark performed ‘FILLE DE MON COEUR,’ at The Regency Town House (Brighton) and Proposition Studios (Camden Fringe). We were delighted with the response from this one hour two hander show – meeting Artaud fans and audience members who have not heard of Artaud’s work before. In addition to the one hour show, Artistic Director – Natasha Higdon and Molly O’Neill – Researcher and Designer, delivered a two hour art instinctive drawing class to explore the idiosyncratic process of Antonin Artaud and his approach to drawing through primal instinct and raw emotion.
The Writer’s Mark is currently in the process of planning our biggest, most ambitious project yet – The Leonora Carrington Series. This event will take place during Brighton Fringe Festival and will involve art installations, a ‘banquet’ performance and surreal talks and workshops. We have already recruited local Sussex Artists and are in the process of auditioning actors for our immersive show experience! Tickets will be available soon.
Follow our journey on other social media platforms:
Instagram: @thewritersmark
Facebook: The Writer’s Mark
For more information and general enquiries, please contact Natasha Higdon directly on: natasha.thewritersmark@outlook.com
The Writer’s Mark Limited , Registered Number 16241109
thewritersmark.co.uk 