We are proud to be partnering with HighTide Theatre as part of their Inventing the future festival, for a free lunchtime talks series (17 November to 8 December 2021).
The talks, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Reinvent Performing Arts Fund, feature sector leaders including Amanda Parker (Inc Arts), Annette Mees (Head of Royal Opera House AudienceLab) and Paddy Dillon (Chair of the Theatres Trust); plus internationally acclaimed playwrights including Chinoyerem Odimba, Eve Leigh, Dawn King and Steve Waters.
Across three pre-recorded panel conversations, each followed by a live Q&A for attendees, the panellists will explore topics of anti-racism, innovation and sustainability/climate justice, especially how writers can respond to these themes in their work and practice and how institutions can better support this journey.
The sessions
All talks are 90 minutes.
Confirmed panels and speakers Include:
Anti-racism – 17 November, 1pm
- Chair, Amanda Parker (Inc Arts)
- Chino Odimba, playwright and Artistic Director, Tiata Fahodzi
- Matilda Ibini, playwright
- Lian Wilkinson, Producer, New Earth Theatre
- Eleanor Root, Collections and Learning Curator, Ipswich Museums
Innovation and new technologies – 24 November, 1pm
- Caridad Svich, playwright (New York)
- Jack Lowe, Artistic Director, curious directive
- Tim Robinson, Chief Executive, Tech East
Sustainability/climate justice – 1 December, 1pm
- Chair, Steve Waters, playwright
- Dawn King, playwright
- Paddy Dillon, Chair of the Theatres Trust
- Rosie Eline, theatre designer
- Vanessa Havard Williams, Global Head of Sustainability, Linklaters
Conversation and reflections (followed by WGGB writing surgery) – 8 December, 1pm
- Amy Vaughan, Director, Arts Council England
- Suba Das, CEO and Artistic Director, HighTide
How to book
Attendees may join as many or as few sessions as they wish. To book for more than one event please add the first event into your basket and then click the ‘Continue browsing’ button to be taken back to this page to add more tickets to your basket.
Once your transaction has been completed you’ll receive a confirmation email and your watch link will be sent to you shortly before the event.
You can book tickets here.
The lunchtime talks are part of the ‘Inventing the future’ festival of new work, presented by HighTide at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, Suffolk, from 22-24 October.
Richard Pinner, Theatre Chair of WGGB, said:
“The Covid pandemic has delivered acute challenges to the theatre landscape, but it is not the only pressing issue on the horizon for the sector.
“Equality and diversity, climate justice and the digital revolution afforded by streaming are just some of the areas WGGB has set its sights on in advocating for our playwright members.
“We are therefore delighted to be continuing our close working relationship with HighTide, and to support their progressive, influential and vital work.”
Inventing the future comes as HighTide takes up a new year-round base in the east of England at the New Wolsey, supported by Arts Council England and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
The organisation now has a year-round presence in the region, cementing its commitment to local talent development across diverse communities.
