Assembly Festival’s Post

🎭 I started working at Konträr in August, Konträr is Sweden’s only contemporary international and national theatre. Sadly, due to a lack of funding, Konträr had to close its doors in September. 💔 In just two years, Konträr showcased 50 premieres, featuring both Swedish and international artists. 🌍 Despite the overwhelming support, the real challenge isn't ticket sales or public interest but the lack of state funding for culture. It’s a harsh reality that many think ticket sales alone can sustain a theatre, but that’s simply not the case. This closure raises important questions about the future of art and culture in Sweden. How can we keep producing bold, innovative theatre when the system doesn’t support us? 🤔 I wonder—is this a unique issue in Sweden, or are theatres worldwide facing similar challenges? I’m eager to hear how other cultural institutions are managing in this environment. Running a theatre is a lot like running a business, but with its own set of challenges: while companies can generate profits through various products or services, theatres often rely solely on ticket sales, which aren’t enough to cover all expenses. Despite these challenges, the desire for theatre remains strong in our society. So, how can we continue to provide this vital cultural experience? 🎭 I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Konträr team during these trying times. We’re not giving up—we’re strategizing and hoping for a way forward. 🙌 While I don’t have the wealth or influence to save the theatre myself, I do have a voice. 🗣️ I hope this message resonates with those who value the arts. Let’s raise awareness, discuss what’s happening, and advocate for a future where culture is prioritized and funded. 💪 👉 If you believe in the importance of culture, please share this post to help spread the word. If you have ideas or want to support Konträr financially or in other ways, please reach out— https://kontrar.se/ Together, we can make a difference! 💬 #Konträr #SaveKonträr #CultureMatters #ArtsInCrisis #Theatre #SupportTheatre

The next big project In Kaoshiung, Taiwan

24 hours on from UK #theatreconference at Southbank Centre. Here are some thoughts: Firstly, a great event. Thanks Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre for organising. It was an impressive gathering of theatre professionals from across the country, and a great programme to boot. Secondly, the challenge is significant. The cost of making theatre has doubled. The cost of running a theatre has doubled. Theatre Tax Relief has helped and is rightly welcomed, but the cost challenge remains. Add to this the other challenges articulated well at conference: theatre's role as social change-makers, the move to environmental sustainability (#theatregreenbook), and the need to address the UK's aged theatre estate. The scale of the challenge is huge. But, thirdly, great examples were given on how the sector is addressing that by coming together, collaborating and acting as a collective voice. And, in doing so, not becoming victims to fortune, but leading, lobbying and innovating to better outcomes. I came away with the message that collaboration is key. It was clear that barriers to that still remain: commercial fears, some lack of trust and openness, and a possible reluctance to share data. Understandable, but to overcome the considerable challenges above, theatre will need to focus on shared objectives. To wrap-up, here's a quote from the final keynote session which hit home: "Theatre is difficult. There is never enough time or money, but we know we have to do it. We don't shirk challenges. We collaborate and problem-solve". Hear hear.

New publication out! Together with Yulia Belinskaya and Matina Magkou we published a chapter on censorship in Greek theatre in the 21st century in the book on theatre censorship in contemporary Europe edited by Anne Etienne and Chris Megson, published today. If you are interested in the topic of censorship in theatre, then this book is for you! #theatre #culture #censorship #europe

Mmm, fascinating. Are audiences choosing to engage with digital innovations in theatre? I certainly love it, but will our older audiences? And not surprised at all to find out that younger theatregoers are most likely to have experienced digital theatre.  A fascinating read, thanks Creative Australia.

So, this is engagement number 2 next week. I shall be talking about the challenges and success of working, or attempting to work to the Theatre Green book targets. 🌞This will be a mix of short talks and a Q&A session with myself and fellow pms, designers and backstage folk. #theatre #sustainability #collaboration

Local theatres, whether still used for performances or for alternative purposes, are crucial to the local community, helping to foster young & emerging talent, provide a home for theatre performers and audiences alike, and also simply for their historical significance in their areas. With one of Sheffield's venues, currently used by local organisation Creative Arts Development Space, named in Theatres Trust's 2024 Theatres at Risk register, it is more apparent than ever how many small local venues are continuously faced with the risk of closure. It is hugely important to support local venues at all levels, including with community groups, activists and most crucially, local authorities & politicians. I recently wrote about the affected venue, Sheffield's Abbeydale Picture House, in my capacity as Arts & Theatre Editor for Forge Press in hopes of raising awareness of this venue & its high-risk status, as well as contacting local councillors & the Member of Parliament for the area, in hopes of working towards a solution to ensure the protection of this building. Read the full article here: https://shorturl.at/hosU5

Here’s the link to sign up for our #ActGreen 3 webinar. The biggest and most comprehensive view yet of audience views on sustainability in cultural organisations.

Industry folk: Have you heard of the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority - a new body aimed at upholding and improving standards of behaviour across the creative industry sectors. A topic close to my heart. Making the workplace a kinder safer place to be. CIISA has a survey: if you could complete this short 10-minute survey sharing your thoughts, you will play a crucial role in informing and shaping the future of CIISA and its services. Ive shared my views and it would be fab if you could to. https://lnkd.in/enb7pk9W

There's something deeply humbling and profound about an empty stage, I feel. It stands there, still and waiting, like a blank canvas. There's a certain silence that hangs in the air, whispering about all the things that could be done and all the things that have been done. It somehow dares you to take the first step and break the stillness, you know. You anticipate, reflect and create. You bring a vision to life there, I mean. Maybe it serves as a reminder that our actions have some power to shape what's to come? Or a reminder to take all that's uncertain and still try and make sense of it, to improvise if needed, and let the creation evolve. One may see it as a canvas for self expression, a space for connection or a call to take action. Or maybe all of it. Lately, for some reason, I have been reading a lot of quotes about stage and theatre in general and that somehow prompted me to reflect on what is so fascinating about a stage that I can't help but be there as much as I can. I know it's not the world theatre day or any such day for that matter, but surely a day which is as good as any other day to express gratitude to something that's an integral part of your profession. 🌻 #theatre #stage #performingarts