Interview: Amy Engelhardt, Impact
Currently taking place across London’s fringe theatre scene is the Viola! Theatre Festival. An essential festival that platforms emerging international artists and theatre runs from 4 - 24 November. Part of that festival is the London premiere of IMPACT. Written and performed by Amy Engelhardt, the play tells a funny, uplifting and moving story born from disaster to celebrate the power of kindness. We chatted with Amy to find out more about the show ahead of its run at the Barons Court Theatre.
Photo by Alex Stein
1. To begin with, can you tell us a little bit about your production Impact and where the influences came from in creating it?
IMPACT was born when I got back from a bucket-list trip to Lockerbie, Scotland in spring 2019. I’d tacked the weekend onto a gig in London (as a singing, Satanic Mother Superior at the Good Omens premiere - couldn’t make that up). The side trip was the result of some 30+ odd, seemingly random “thin moments” or “follow-signs” I’d experienced in the six months prior. They were all related to PanAm103, the UK’s largest single terrorist attack. As a Syracuse University alumna, I knew 5 of the 35 Syracuse students on that plane on 21 December 1988. I’d always wanted to go to pay my respects, but I never thought it would be the uplifting, absolutely life-changing experience it became.
2. It’s inspired by the Lockerbie bombing in 1988. How has this impacted the work that has been created?
IMPACT was not inspired by the bombing itself, but the beautiful people I met there, most of whom selflessly cared for victims and their families 30 years ago. This show is an American love letter to all of the “helpers” in these kinds of situations. My two unexpected companions were much more directly connected to the event; it was an honor to simply be there and take it all in. We are all connected because of this event, but more importantly because of the kindness these people showed in the aftermath. Some have likened its heart to COME FROM AWAY (but with considerably less…dancing).
3. How does a production like Impact differ from the work you’ve done before and as a result, how has it challenged you as a performer?
Well, for starters, I’m primarily a comedy writer, and a composer/lyricist. I originally trained as a classical and musical theatre performer, then eventually focused on writing. Along the way, I toured with and wrote for a Grammy-nominated vocal quartet. So although I’ve done everything I do in IMPACT before, until 2021 I’d never done a solo theatrical show and one that I WROTE, and certainly not a more serious one (although there is much levity in the show). I don’t even like most one-person shows! But this whole tale from stem to stern was beyond compelling… and as an added bonus it’s not really about ME. I don’t think I could do this if it were.
4. What has been the most challenging part of developing this show so far?
Finding the resources to bring it to the world. The development itself was a labour of love.
5. Does this show pull on any important topics for audiences to unearth, if so what are they?
The power of kindness. The importance of showing up. How we can support each other in challenging times, in a world rife with natural and man-made catastrophes. Embracing the more mystical “thin moments.”
6. If you were to develop this production any further, where would you like to see it go?
The piece is pretty much done artistically – I may change one or two lines depending on where I’m performing it. But the audience reaction when I brought it to Scotland was so incredibly moving I’d like to run it throughout the
UK. That includes rural communities. The folks who came to EdFringe from all over because they heard me on BBC Radio.
7. Was there any specific stories you heard that had the biggest impact on you when creating this show?
The stories that impact me most are those people share with me after the show. It’s my favourite part of the evening. If I can lift or move or shift something for someone in a positive way for even 5 minutes… connect with them…reach them on a gut level with music and humour and shared experiences, I’ve done my job.
8. Finally, why should people come and see Impact?
Today, everyone you know either knows someone, knows someone WHO knows someone or IS someone who has been touched by tragedy. If you’d like your soul soothed and your faith in humanity renewed, if you like a sweet cello line, a funky groove and soaring songs and stories, meet me at Baron’s Court.
Impact is at the Barons Court Theatre from 15-17 November as part of the Voila Theatre Festival.
