bell gellis
[ theatre director | fight choreographer | activist ]
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Artist Statement
As a director, my approach is deeply collaborative and rooted in a dynamic and evolving creative process. I enter rehearsals with an open mind to allow actors to develop their craft, valuing actor's input and creativity. While improvising scenes and exploring organic narrative flow, I maintain a clear vision, effectively communicating it through extensive table work, Stanislavskian character building rooted in the here, today, and now, and Bogart's viewpoints for world building to inspire the actors to contribute their ideas towards a unified artistic goal.
I bring queer stories and plays to life. Narratives which are rich with diverse experiences and perspectives that deserve to be on the mainstage. By integrating queer themes, I aim to challenge conventional storytelling and create spaces where underrepresented voices can shine. This commitment to queer storytelling informs my directorial approach, ensuring that the stories we tell are genuine, resonant, and impactful.
Current Project
Caught In Her Canvas
by Katie Brayson
After Dani mistakenly shows up to Renata's home to 'clean,' she becomes trapped inside due to an expected hurricane...
My Mission
As a theatre director and activist, I am driven by a profound passion for storytelling that transcends conventional narratives and embraces the beauty of diverse experiences. My work is dedicated to the representation of queer and Latinx stories on stage, an endeavor rooted in my own identity and the desire to give voice to communities often relegated to the margins in order to engage with audiences and provoke meaningful dialogue.
The London theatre scene is a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation. Inspired by its history, I aim to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. My approach is collaborative, creating inclusive spaces where all voices are valued. I recently served as assistant director for Sarah Ruhl’s Melancholy Play, which is revered for its portrayal of queer temporality. Through my recent research and psychological study I discovered the true power that theatre and other forms of watchable media has on building empathy, tolerance, and political change of marginalised communities. This experience coupled with my research reinforced my belief in theatre’s power to challenge and expand our understanding of time, identity, and relationships.
Theatre is inherently a collective art form, and I believe that the best work emerges from an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. I am dedicated to creating a rehearsal space that honors and respects the diverse identities and experiences of all involved. Using Stanislavskian methods to build character from the inside out allows the actor to connect to their character and add themselves and their experiences into the character, which is why representational casting is at the core of my practice.
Ultimately, my goal as a theatre director is to create work that resonates on a deeply human level, work that is bold, honest, and unapologetically true to the stories being told. In a world that is increasingly divided, theatre has the power to bring us together, to remind us of our shared humanity, and to celebrate our differences. I am committed to shining a light on the narratives that matter to me, and I hope that through my work, I can inspire others to do the same.
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Past Projects
