Katy Walker studied English at Edinburgh University, then trained as an actor at the Welsh College of Music and Drama.  After a few years playing to very select audiences in Wales, she got a job by mistake in the film industry and hung out with Hollywood A listers for a couple of years until she discovered clay and gave it all up to become a potter.  All of this is an elaborate displacement activity as what she really wants to do is write.  She is thrilled to be selected for Hotbed 2012.

Katy’s Hotbed play is called ANDROMACHE, and it is a poetic monologue that explores the conflicting emotions of Andromache, wife of Hector, tragic hero of the Trojan War. A thought-provoking insight into the world of those on the sidelines, those left behind to wait and hope and pick up the pieces afterwards.

Interview with Katy

What is the inspiration behind your play?

Writing a schools’ version of The Iliad.  There she was, in the middle of this epic tale of war, putting her son to bed.  She was like a character from a Vermeer painting – serene, and quietly intriguing.   I wanted to know what was going on under that calm exterior.

What is your greatest ambition?

To write good work.

Who is your favourite writer(s)?

My mum.

When was the last time you laughed out loud?

This morning at my daughter’s nativity play.  Her cardboard wings had slipped sideways and it looked as though she had some sort of missile on her back.