the future of theatre -
the future of theatre -
on the stage
representation
there are so many conversations about accessibility, and the lack of diverse perspectives on and off stage - it’s so widely understood as a deeply-rooted issue, but often there are no frameworks to actively work to change this. conscious efforts need to be made.
accountability
holding ourselves to high standards - through our practice as theatre-makers, as well as the work produced onto a stage. what is presented + public facing is our chance to hold ourselves to account, and practice our values as individuals and a collective.
so much of the joy and beauty of theatre is its inherent individuality, and irreplaceable nature - therefore we need to use this unique stance, and ultimately our privilege in creating and telling stories, to produce work that has strong moral integrity, is socially-engaged, and actively checks itself.
experimentation
the space, and freedom to PLAY. to try, to wonder, to imagine, to dream. experimentation is so integral to any creative process, ultimately we never know if we don’t try. and when we’re creating art, we all know how valuable failures are in our learning.
the ability to experiment is often lost because of financial instability and dependence - again we all know the state of funding in theatre, but in the industry’s future, we need to ensure artists have space to play, space to just TRY.
space for NEW WORK and NEW WRITING - space for contemporary stories to be told, and age-old stories to be reignited.
beyond the stage
participation
i believe that theatre needs more opportunities for audiences to interact with the art, and engage with what they see in a critical, socially-aware way.
so many venues hold incredible, inspirational participation projects for young people - but i think theatre now needs to extend chances for a broader range of audience members.
support
support for both artists and audiences - to keep creating, to keep viewing, to keep being inspired and hopeful.
partnerships with other theatre-makers, creating strong networks for peer support is so vital inn this process. as well as establishing and maintaining relationships with other organisations, both arts and non-arts based, to ensure collective support.
activism
i would love to see more established partnerships with arts organisations, charities, and decision-makers. advocating for the arts at grassroots levels, as well as through policy change.
methodologies employed by theatre -> especially within practice rooms, could be shared so far beyond these spaces. theatre allows experimentation and conversation to be facilitated so naturally, and i can see so many potential partnerships in so many realms and sectors.
“if you can imagine it, you can make it. If you can make it, you can make it change.”
- Lois Weaver (Professor Emerita @ Queen Mary, and my first producing mentor)