Sarah_After_Vermeer

Part of the 'Shifting Perspectives' project. Having heard about Sarah’s versatility as an actress I approached her to collaborate with me in reconstructing Vermeer’s encounters with his sitters. Sarah’s grace, charm and character were perfect to emulate Vermeer’s elegant studies; with a modern twist. Vermeer’s images with their soft and graceful tones, subtle shadows and careful light show how significant lighting is to a strong image. Some people say that a Vermeer work shouts in soft shadows. This description could also be applied to Sarah, in that by carrying herself so well and by speaking so eloquently she is able to show ‘the public’ that people with Down’s syndrome are so much more than an outdated stereotype. By being herself she is making a very loud statement. ‘Within the history of western art, the door stands for an image of both physical and metaphysical transformation and the space of the doorway takes on a character of "in-betweenness" and functions as a subliminal invitation to participate in the narrative which unfolds within the depicted image.’ I liked the idea of Sarah as an actress being able to change herself, to walk through the door in the picture and to become another person, another character in her work, but also on another level, as a young lady with Down’s syndrome to change people’s views of her and her abilities. From the starting point of ‘A Maid Asleep’, we carried on to some of the other Vermeer paintings where we had a bit of fun recreating some beautiful scenes. Sarah Gordy is an actress who has played characters in television, radio and stage plays. Sarah transcends type casting in so many ways creating characters who are original and exceptional. Her body of work goes far beyond playing 'characters who have Downs Syndrome' and her wit and charm, plus a determination to get it right however complex the language is, make her a performer who can make the audience believe she is whoever she says she is. I would work with Sarah any time." Lisa Evans, Playwright www.shiftingperspectives.org