Festival staff profile - Zuleika Brett

As Festival 09 draws to a close, we spoke to the lovely Zuleika Brett, our Senior Development Officer of Individual Giving.

How did you come to work for the Edinburgh International Festival?
My background is in visual arts having studied Art History at Glasgow University. After graduating I worked in galleries, and also an artist’s studio working in administration including managing their membership scheme before jumping at the chance to join the Festival team when the opportunity arose!

What does your position involve?
Working in the Sponsorship Department my main role is managing the membership scheme. Not only the day to day running, but planning, organizing and attending events all year round for the Friends scheme.

What is the best part of your job?
Getting out an about, especially during the Festival period, talking to supporters and meeting lots of lovely people is definitely the best part of the job. For many people coming to the Festival period is the highlight of the year, and their enthusiasm for the performances is infectious!

What is the most challenging part of your job?
I guess it gets a little frantic running from venue to venue trying to catch up with as many people as possible, however of course its so nice to see people (often its just once a year we get to meet up), and the performances themselves also give you that extra bit of energy required!

What has been your most memorable Festival experience so far?
Do I have to pick just one; there’s so many?! From the unease that Malthouse Melbourne managed to instill in the audience with their production of The Tell-Tale Heart in 2008, to the extraordinary performance by Mabou Mines in 2007; they certainly kept the audience on their toes with their performance of Dollhouse. Equally memorable was seeing the staged performance of Die Zauberflöte conducted by Claudio Abbado in 2006…and seeing Daniel Barenboim conduct his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra in 2005….sorry, can’t choose between them!

Which events are you most looking forward to at Festival 09 and why?
Peter and Wendy – after Mabou Mines’ Dollhouse, I’m really excited to see what they’ve done with this classic tale. In addition, I’m really looking forward to hearing the Hallé perform The Dream of Gerontius.

What are your words of advice to those at the Festival this August?
As well as picking old favourites, also go out on a limb and pick something unfamiliar – it may end up being the highlight of your Festival. Plus wear sensible shoes for all that running between venues!

Describe the Edinburgh International Festival in 3 words?
Unique. Daring. Fun