Louder Than Words celebrates World Theatre Day

To mark World Theatre Day 2024, we've been looking at the archive of interviews which make up the Louder Than Words Podcast.

From groundbreaking studies on performance techniques, insightful analyses of cultural representations and social connection, and emerging trends of audience behaviours, researchers at the University of Essex have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the art form.

As Natural as Breathing

“The kind of theatre I work in can have a really transformational effect on people. I’ve been in the room where that has happened and been involved in projects where theatre has had a huge benefit on people’s lives.” - Dr Annecy Lax

Episode 18 - Immersion in Theatre

Theatre creatives and writers Professor Elizabeth Kuti and Dr Annecy Lax from Department of Literature Film and Theatre Studies share their ideas on how performance can help in promoting empathy whilst still being entertaining, develop our understanding of tough social issues, and how being an audience member changes us. Whether online, in-person, or on TV, drama offers us the chance to change.

Read Professor Liz Kuti's blog on whether theatre and drama can improve lives.

Creativity after COVID

Episode 22 - Break a Leg

Professor Philip Hancock and Professor Melissa Tyler of the Essex Business School, and Tom Carradine from Carradine’s Cockney Sing-along discuss what the future holds for creatives after COVID-19, and what long-term effects both audiences and writers experience in having to adapt to changes within the tradition.

Brighter Futures and Louder Than Words are projects from the Centre for Public and Policy Engagement, aiming to support academics in building partnerships with policymakers and the public so that research and education at the University of Essex can improve people’s lives. Both are hosted by Professor Jules Pretty.

Discover all upcoming events at the Lakeside Theatre - the hub for all things creative at the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus.