Jagoda N. Winter

Jagoda Winter is Stage Director, Writer, Actress and Artistic Director of Art'Morte.

She specializes in contemporary theatre, exploring themes of nihilism, dark psychology, dehumanization, absurdism, silence, stillness, void, and empty spaces. Her work is characterized by its incorporation of movement, devised from physical expressions and environmental sounds, creating a unique and immersive theatrical experience.

Born in Croatia with a unique blend of Italian and Japanese heritage, my life has been a tapestry of diverse cultural threads. Growing up during the tumultuous times of Yugoslavia's dissolution, my childhood was marked by profound experiences. Orphaned at a young age due to the war, the arts became a refuge and a source of expression. My earliest foray into creative writing began at five, a world-building escape I craved amidst the uncertainty.

The allure of theater captivated me even earlier, around the age of ten. Witnessing a performance of "Romeo and Juliet" in a cramped, 16th-century house right after the war left a lasting impression. Despite the limitations of the setting, the actors' passion and the shared joy of the audience illuminated the power of theater to transcend circumstances and unify. This experience solidified my love for storytelling and the profound way theater connects with others.

Theater became a second home, offering not just an escape but a way to connect, embody characters, and explore the human condition. My artistic journey took a pivotal turn in high school when I delved into filmmaking, participating in the Berlin Film Festival with a one-minute film. This period also saw me mentored by Ervin Debeuc, a revered figure in European cinematography, who honed my skills in camera work. Concurrently, Dalibor Matanic enriched my narrative abilities in films through his screenwriting mentorship.

A car accident at seventeen marked a significant turning point, drawing me back to theater's therapeutic embrace. It was here, amidst the camaraderie and creativity of the stage, that I found healing and purpose. During this time, the teachings of Jorge Correa Bethencourt in physical theatre profoundly impacted my work. He inspired me to utilize movement as a powerful storytelling tool, a technique I still actively incorporate in my directing today.

Seeking broader horizons, I moved to the UK, a decision that catalyzed my career in the arts. Transitioning from acting to behind-the-scenes roles, I discovered my true calling in directing. My directorial debut, "Puggo's Dream," was a labor of love that affirmed my dedication to leading and inspiring artistic teams.

My experiences across theater, film, diverse cultures, the profound impact of war, and being orphaned at a young age have shaped my artistic perspective. I am particularly drawn to dark themes like silence, nihilism, dark psychology, and absurdism. However, my goal isn't to dwell solely in darkness. I believe that even in the face of hardship, humor can be a powerful tool for coping, connection, and ultimately, finding meaning.

Credits

Assitant Director/ Dog Shit/ Bellaray Bertrand-Webb/ Theatre 503/ 2024 June

Stage Director - Feather/ Scott Younger - Baron's Court Theatre, 2022.

Stage Director / Writer - Coco, Camden's People Theatre, Cockpit Theatre, 2021

Stage Director / Writer - The Dumb Man, Cockpit Theatre, 2022.

Stage Director, Sales of a Deadman /Arthur M. Jolly - Barons Court Theatre 2022

Stage Director / Writer - Puggo's Dream, Theatro Technis , The Gate Theatre 2019

Training

Artist in residency, Chris Evans, Babel Theatre, 2024. ( Physical Theatre)
Artist in residency, Fin Morrell, Temper Theatre, 2023. (Physical Theatre)
Sottish Royal Conservatory of Art & Drama 2013
Physical Theatre & Dramatic Corporeal Mime, School, 2013
Kalvarija Ri Teatar: School of Acting, 2010