CLAUDIA LOW
Finding power in perspective, the stage actress and former editor ponders on the future of theatre, while dusting off past projects that brings new meaning to #SelfLove.
“I’ve read and reminded myself many times that, ‘Happiness is about letting go what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is’. But what happens when everything in the present gets put on hold indefinitely, and the future is uncertain? We keep cherishing life, for all that it is and still can be. There is a lot of power in this perspective. So I can’t go to the gym anymore, but maybe now’s a better time than never to commit to that 100 burpees a day challenge. Sometimes, fitness comes in the form of listening to your inner child, and if she wants to dance, then let her dance! I’m not sure if the acting gigs I secured down the way will still be mine when all this is over. Maybe. But for now, wouldn’t it also be cool to rethink how a show can go live? Can we still use performing arts to explore the human condition and our creativity without being able to physically gather? What happens then, to our relationship with the audience? These are the questions that some of us are beginning to ask, and exploring together on conference calls. Inspiration is everywhere, and we should take full advantage of the fact that we’ve gotten more access to it. Between virtual classes, tours of museums, and streams of performances online, there’s more than enough content to keep ourselves stimulated—I’ve been leaning towards Google Arts & Culture and often find myself returning to The Phillip’s Collection Contemplative Audio Tour of its Rothko Room on YouTube. My dining table at home is now my makeshift workstation on weekdays, but it’s also scattered with a sketch book and colouring pencils for when creativity strikes! I’ve also dusted off my old sewing kit and am working on embroidering a pair of denim overalls that I couldn’t bear to KonMari the last time I spring cleaned. There are more hours in the day now, and I’m inspired to fill them with self-love—listening to the things that call out to me and happily doing the things I adore.”