The Work of a Diamond

Diamonds are formed under extreme pressure, the forces of earth pressed together to form something of clarity, strength and beauty. 

Looking at Liz Lea’s latest work ‘Diamond’ it is an apt title as she unpacks her experiences of womanhood coming into middle-age and menopause, the pressures of life and the pleasure of coming into ones own. 

Liz tells us, ‘Diamond is a journey through what I have experienced ageing and weaving in stories from other community members, many of whom join me on stage. I look at menopause, becoming invisible, the lack of value society feels around older women and shifts in identify and especially from the perspective of being a dancer. ‘ 

Blending a multitude of styles, from burlesque to contemporary, the show draws from Liz’s first experiences on stage as a show girl. 

‘I began my career as a showgirl and have found myself drawn back to those days and those movement paths. It was hard work then but feels easier on my body now. I also enjoy engaging directly with an audience in speaking with and to them and we have incorporated songs that also tell part of the story.’ 

The development of the work, based at Gorman Arts Centre, has been an emotional journey. When asked what the hardest part has been Liz said, 

OOOOFT!! Fear. Plain and simple – the fear of doing, of not doing it, of being on stage again, of how to make it all work and how to bring all the ideas together in a way that an audience can engage. The process has been hugely exciting, challenging and enlightening and I am coming out of it with a sense of acceptance of myself, my work and how to move forwards and maybe live freely. 

The provocation of the work draws heavily on Liz’s own experience in life in an admirable show of vulnerability. 

It is a challenge, and I also don’t want to alienate an audience, so it is the balance between the raw honesty and the humour and using my experiences as a mirror for people though movement, music and film. 

As with any creative work in front of an audience, a creator opens themselves up to the mercy of an audience; sympathetic, neutral or critical. To paraphrase writer Maria Popova, any form of communication is courageous as we open ourselves up to two possibilities, sowing a seed that matures into mutual understanding, or the possibility of being wholly misunderstood. In reflecting on what the audience will take away from this project, Liz is hopeful of the former. 

I deeply hope people come away uplifted, engaged and with a sense of community and yes, mutual understanding. 

Diamond is on from 6 – 8 August at The Q. 

Tickets available here. 

Images: O&J Wikner Photography

Words: Rebecca Worth