Cinelive: Purpose, Passion and Tenacity

George Macpherson is onto something.

George is a young, stylish, and immediately likeable man. He is currently living and working in London on his project Cinelive (www.cinelive.org.uk).

Yesterday we explored what Cinelive is and how he has created the success.

Cinelive is an educational project which merges theatre with film and art with science.

Using young aspiring actors from local drama schools and youth theatres George and his partner Andy create immersive theatre with a profound educational impact.

Their current piece is a remake of Gregory’s Girl, it’s an in depth look into the science of human attraction. On entrance to the theatre students and George alike don a scientist’s white overalls and become explorers. Students experience the artistry of theatre mixed with workshops delivered by Phd. level scientists which are seamlessly woven into the narrative of the performance.

As we talk I can feel his knowing deep within his bones that this is his work, this is his contribution to the world.

It’s George’s self-belief that feels so empowering. He knows he is doing important work, and he’s willing to stand for that, whatever happens.

This project is also a melting pot of the loves in his life and consequently each day is filled with fascinating, creative and meaningful conversations and meetings.

In the current piece students become members of ‘The Department for the Investigation of Amorous Disorders’ in order to further understand the whys and wherefores of human attraction. The play touches on sex education, an undervalued and terribly miss-taught and miss-understood subject by teachers and students alike.

As with any valuable endeavour there have been crunch points. When the supporting funders from the Wellcome Trust visit a performance that goes tits-up. Or when him and Andy attempt a risky, night time performance in the countryside of Kosovo which goes down phenomenally well.

It’s his tenacity to stick with his intuition, to trust his ability to see creatively into the future and stand firm in his knowing of what he wants to create that has gotten him to this point.

And the future looks hopeful. George recognises the issues of today’s students and has positioned himself well providing a unique and creative solution to their needs for interactive learning, out of the classroom experience and intersubjective and intergenerational education.

Congrats George. Your onto a winner.