Spaces of Appearance in Theatre and Performance

Activities of the research group include a series of curated presentations each semester on campus, also hosting seminars, workshops, presentations, performances, discussion and more. The events are an opportunity to share our practice and scholarly research and the work of colleagues, both within the university and beyond. Guest speakers and performers are invited to present on related themes. 2020/21 seminar series includes a series of ‘in conversation’ events hosted online and a PhD researcher-led symposium. Events in 2019/20 included a book launch for the upcoming publications of three staff at Live Theatre, PhD presentations and guest speakers hosted at Experimental Studio, Baltic 39.

2020/21 Seminar series hosted by Northumbria University Theatre and Performance

Dr Kay Hepplewhite in conversation with Amy Golding, Artistic Director of Curious Monkey Theatre Company, Theatre of Sanctuary, about their play ‘Here’ by Lyndsay Rodden and adaptation to working during the pandemic.

Dr Lazlo Pearlman in conversation with Dr. Deirdre McLaughlin (director, dramaturg, and actor trainer) on their co-authored article: ‘If you want to kiss her, kiss her! Gender and Queer Time in modern Meisner training’ in Theatre, Dance and Performance Training Special Issue 11.3 "Against the Canon”.

Associate Professor Jane Arnfield in conversation with Agata Handley Assistant Professor in The Institute of English Studies of the University of Łódź, Poland. (Poland) discussing Jane’s core Leverhulme Trust International Academic Fellowship project, Ten To Ten. 

2019/20 Seminar series included:

Culture, Democracy and the Right to Make Art

Dr Alison Jeffers, University of Manchester presents on her book published by Bloomsbury Methuen: Culture, Democracy and the Right to Make Art. The British Community Arts Movement, edited by Alison Jeffers and Gerri Moriarty. In uncovering the neglected history of the Community Arts Movement in the 1970s and early 1980s, the book taps into a resurgent interest in questions of cultural democracy and cultural rights.

"Be Water": How Hong Kong Protest Art Swims Against the Tide of Totalitarianism 

Dr Wessie Ling, Northumbria University discusses Hong Kong protest art which examines the stylistic strategy of 'be water' in the form of performance through mass circulated visual representation. The unpopular enforcement of the extradition bill sparked off months-long protest in Hong Kong where protesters adopt Bruce Lee's tactics of "be water" to evade police crackdown on the movement. 

For further details please contact kay.hepplewhite@northumbria.ac.uk

Find out more here.

Sarah Kemp 2017-2020

 'An exploration of the impact of actor training, based on the practice of Philippe Gaulier and Monika Pagneux, on the creativity, health and wellbeing of older people'.

Supervisor Dr Catherine Bailey

Second Supervisor Dr Kay Hepplewhite

Rebecca Mather 2019-2022

‘An interdisciplinary artistic investigation into intercultural singing-youth-theatre practice, exploring relationships between affective group singing, theatre making and the generation of personal and social meaning’.

Supervisor Dr Kay Hepplewhite

Second Supervisor Dr Lazlo Pearlman

Anthea Moys 2018-21

Supervisor Dr Solomon Lennox

Second Supervisor Linda Taylor

Alice Potter 2020-

Supervisor Jane Arnfield

Second Supervisor Dr Sandra Johnston