10 Questions: An Interview with Kat Francois
Today I have great pleasure in interviewing Kat Francois. Kat is performing her one woman theatre show, SEVEN TIMES ME at the Adelaide Fringe this year. Kat won the BBC3 TV Poetry Slam Competition in 2004 and became World Poetry Slam Champion in 2005.
Poetry is a personal, intimate, and even introspective activity. Rather than read with the naked eye it is meant to be performed and heard. Trained voices like Kat’s are rare and not to be missed, but enjoyed for the sheer depths to which she can take us. Using theatre, dance and music Kat takes her audience on a wonderful journey exploring the universal topics of life. So lets start our journey and find out more about this young talented poet…
1. What inspired you to become a writer, performer and artist?
I have always been interested in reading, writing and performing. I read early as a child, always had a book close to hand and a piece of paper. I would pretend to be a journalist and keep notes on things I saw going on around me. I also kept diaries and had many pen pals. Writing and performing is a natural talent, which has had the opportunity to be nurtured.
I am inspired by true stories and becoming a performer has allowed me to explore my own story on the stage. I felt this was important before I went on to write more plays.
2. What is your show about and what should the Public expect from your show?
The show is an autobiographical piece exploring poignant moments in my life, both sad and humorous. It is a piece, which uses an array of mediums including, theatre, dance, performance poetry, visuals and music. The audience should expect to be taken on a journey, a journey through time, from childhood to adulthood. It is a piece, which can transcend age, culture, class and religion. Tackling universal topics, such as puberty, siblings, relationships, domestic violence and racism. It is ultimately a story of triumph over adversity.
3. What is your favorite Festival or Fringe and why?
I have traveled a lot as a performer but Adelaide will be my second fringe festival, my first being Edinburgh fringe where I performed SEVEN TIMES ME in 2007. It was an amazing experience, challenging and crazy, but worth every bit of stress and sweat. I am looking forward to the difference in weather, it will be nice to run around the street promoting the show with the sun beating down on me, rather than rain!
4. What’s your best advice for aspiring Writers,artists and performers on the Festival/Fringe circuit?
Believe in your product, you have to be able to sell it, to rise up day after day trudge the streets and promote your show. Look around for a venue which will support you and learn as much as you can. Promotion is a big thing try to spend time and money on targeting your audience. Try not get caught up on numbers of audience and money, it’s about learning your craft and obtaining the opportunity to perform in front of a varied audience . Most of all enjoy, enjoy enjoy.
5. What are your funniest and also, your worst experience performing or attending a Fringe/Festival?
Worst experience I had was leaving the first flat I rented during the Edinburgh fringe due to a leak in the roof, which caused the bedroom ceiling to leak. It also caused the shower to spark almost electrocuting my stage manager. Luckily she was fine. I was too scared to touch any electrical appliances, even the iron blew, after that I knew it was time to leave. We managed to find somewhere else, which was not a health hazard. The landlady came to see my show and offered me the use of her flat for free for a few extra days. I took her up on her offer and ended up spending a few extra days in Edinburgh relaxing and discovering the city.
The best experience was in the final few days of Edinburgh after working really hard, almost starving myself to get there. Ignoring calls from the bank, driving 400 miles across England in my little burgundy polo called ‘Ruby’ and questioning my sanity, SEVEN TIMES ME sold out. It was an amazing experience looking around and seeing not a spare seat, those last few days made all the hard work worth it.
6. As you travel performing at different festivals/fringes, what is your favorite place to vacation and chill out and why?
Favorite place to vacation has to be Grenada, although I was born in England, my family come from Grenada. Coming from a busy metropolitan city like London, Grenada is a wonderful place to chill,eat good food, connect with nature, relax and catch up with family I do not get to see very often. It is a beautiful tropical Island and will always be home to me.
7. Who is the person you most admire and why?
I admire many people but top of the list is my mother, the only parent I have known. Who raised me to believe in myself. I saw her raise 7 children practically single handedly and deal with whatever life had to throw her way with grace and courage. She has a quiet strength and humility which is humbling.
8. What is the best tip you have ever been given?
Believe in my talents and myself.
9. What is the best book you have read and why do you like it?
Cannot choose just one but ‘The Colour Purple’ resonated with me as a young girl. It was a well-written book, simple language that oozed emotion. Recently I read ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Kahled Hosseini, and loved the portrayal of woman, the depiction of strength, friendship and motherhood.
10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
So many things need changing, but I think if people had more respect for each other’s differences that would be a start to changing things for the better.
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Thank you Kat for the great interview. We wish you every success at the Adelaide Fringe. Kat is performing at The Garage International venue in Adelaide.
