SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: LINDA HERD

Can you tell us how you first came to be familiar with Bell Shakespeare's work?

I first saw a Bell Shakespeare production in 2013, it was Henry IV and I loved the way it was staged. To see a history play and hear the words of Shakespeare spoken with characters in costumes and on a set that modern audiences could relate to was a fabulous experience. I was hooked after that!

You have supported Bell Shakespeare in ways that are quite diverse over the years – for example, as a member of the Artistic Director’s Circle, the Legacy Circle and supporting our education program through the Canny Quine Foundation. What has drawn you to these streams of support? Why is each of them important or interesting to you?

After watching Henry IV I spent some time finding out more about the Company and was impressed with the education program Bell Shakespeare offered. As a former teacher I saw the value in being able to take Shakespeare into schools around Australia and present it in an interesting and fun way. The first donation I made was to the Actors at Work Appeal in 2014 and my involvement has grown from there. I joined the Artistic Directors Circle in 2017 and have enjoyed all the opportunities it has offered for me to learn more about Shakespeare’s work and what goes into developing a production for the stage. In joining the Legacy Circle I hope to enable Bell Shakespeare to continue doing what it does so well into the future.

In 2022 the Canny Quine Foundation helped to fund an Artist in Residence program in Nhulunbuy, in the remote Northern Territory. Why is it important to you to support making Shakespeare accessible in Australian schools?

I have always been passionate about children having exposure to the arts regardless of where they live. The work that Bell Shakespeare does within schools throughout Australia and the support they give teachers through the Regional Teacher Mentorship program is so important. When I heard that this had led to a request being made for an Artist in Residence to work with a school in Nhulunbuy I knew just how important this was. I had previously visited Nhulunbuy and knew how remote it was and how much this would mean to the community, so I was delighted to be able to make it happen. The reports I received at the end of the residency proved just how fulfilling it had been for all. I am sure that the young people involved will always remember the week that Bell Shakespeare came to their school.

What has been a highlight for you during you relationship with Bell Shakespeare?

It is hard to name just one highlight as there have been so many special moments both in the theatre and behind the scenes. Reading the reports from the Nhulunbuy residency is definitely up there along with watching company runs in the rehearsal room. They always give me goosebumps!

Which 2023 production are you most excited about and why?

This is an easier question to answer! Romeo and Juliet in The Neilson Nutshell will be the highlight of 2023 for me. I know how much staging a full-length production in your home on the Wharf means to the Company and to see it finally happen will be a very special moment.