Meet Andromeda
Who are you?
My name is Andromeda Gibb and I'm 19 years old from Dundee, Scotland. I come from a very supportive family of my Mum, Dad and younger brother. I'm bisexual and my little brother is gay so there's usually some queer coded music blaring in my house. I think my family have heavily influenced who I am; my sense of humour and the useless knowledge of Sonic the Hedgehog I seem to retain. I'd describe myself as someone who's always looking to push, enjoy and laugh at themselves.
How did you get here?
I'm currently a member of Hidden Route's ensemble where we are working as part of a Wonderfools project to perform a script online, during lockdown Hidden Route, with both of their groups, partnered with Company 3 and took part in the Coronavirus Time Capsule. I loved every moment of this project as I felt like I could create. I was part of Dundee Rep's Youth Theatre for many years and performed in scripted and devised pieces during my time with them, this was really what pushed me to want to break into the arts as performing and creating made me feel excited and alive in a way that other schools subjects and sports clubs never did. At The Rep I took part in their work experience programme as well as The Enterprise project both of which gave me insight into the behind the scenes of a theatre. These behind the scenes glimpses led me to take part in Transitions 20/40 at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where I studied design for a year in a series of Sunday morning workshops in Glasgow. In the past I have also taken part in Scottish Youth Theatre's summer school programme where I was part of their show 'Nebula' this intensive block really solidified my love for devising and creating.
Another thing I always like to bring to my artform is dance. I've been a highland dancer since I was 3 years old and a passion for movement has followed suit. From taking part in street competitions during highschool to creating contemporary dance routines, dance and movement have allowed me to explore so many avenues in such little time. I've danced as a highland dancer in Bangladesh at the British Embassy and I've also danced in a parade at Disneyland Paris. These experiences were extremely exciting and humbling, to be able to perform anywhere is a joy but these were experiences I will always hold dear. Movement lead me to Shaper/Caper a dance company based in Dundee. I'm part of their youth advisory board The Body.
What does the concept of sanctuary mean to you?
The word sanctuary initially pulls my mind to birds in a nest. They are huddled together in a space they created themselves, a space meant for nurture and growth. I believe everyone has their own nest, a place you have chosen as yours. A place where you can become yourself, and well in other words, spread your wings and fly.
What does your sanctuary look like?
My sanctuary is up a mountain, the walk there isn't too tough but when you arrive you'll still feel accomplished. There's rocks that seem thin and get slippy in the rain but there's also a flatter grassy area that's just begging for a picnic blanket to be put down. If you look out and take in the view you would think to yourself, isn't it beautiful? If you look to the right there's another hill that's not too far away, this one has dark green trees on it. The thing about this hill is that it makes me laugh, the trees have a clearing in them that reminds me of a crocodile silhouette. It's very strange but it's a reminder that anything can happen when your mind goes 100 miles an hour and your imagination sometimes gets over involved. In my sanctuary ticks are not welcome so you're able to take your