]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Breakout Session: Dramaturgs

Time to reposition. Time to unite. Time for collective action.

The position of dramaturgy and dramaturgs is under pressure. The critical perspective, the questioning, the thoughtfulness that dramaturgs contribute is increasingly being marginalised. Is that a coincidence, or the result of policies that benefit from less friction, less reflection? Yet the need is more urgent than ever: doesn’t this time call for more dramaturgy – for a deeper embedding and active engagement of dramaturgs in artistic, political, and social issues?

What role can and do dramaturgs want to play in a climate of growing extremes? Isn’t dramaturgy by nature a lens on the world – a critical organ that questions leadership and resists the dominance of economic thinking?

In an age of far-reaching individualisation, people are increasingly left to their own devices. Even within our field, colleagues are turned into competitors. Speed, efficiency and market thinking are on the rise – at the expense of continuity, trust, and long-term vision.

How can we, dramaturgs, organise ourselves? How can we join forces and build alliances with other social groups? What stories, perspectives and experiences connect us – and how can we translate this connection into concrete plans and collective action?

What is needed to make our voices heard and seen – within the theatre field and in society at large?

In this session, we’ll engage in dialogue about the future of dramaturgy. Together, we’ll explore the steps we can take to strengthen our position – structurally, in solidarity, and with real impact.

This programme is part of Solidarity as Strategy and is available as a free add-on.