Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (with subtitles) – Applied Theatre Podcast

In this episode, Shane Shambhu, (Creative Director of Altered Skin), Shireenah Ingram (Actor and founder of Red Lens) and I spoke about the creation of When We See Ourselves, a multidisciplinary theatre performance exploring intercultural relationships, diaspora, hierarchy and identity.

We reflected on how the piece began in 2019 as an inquiry into DNA, evolution and shared human origins, before developing into a deeply personal examination of anti Black sentiment within South Asian communities. Through a contemporary love story, the work engages with the legacy of eighteenth century botanist Carl Linnaeus and his racial classifications, questioning how historic systems of categorising human beings continue to shape present day prejudice and power structures.

Shane and Shireenah shared insight into their collaborative rehearsal process, built around a living script that moves fluidly between text, movement, music and design, drawing on Bharatanatyam and contemporary theatre practices. A layered and evolving work, this is a piece that invites audiences into reflection, connection and ongoing conversation.

We also explored what it means to define British theatre today, and who holds the authority to shape that definition.

When We See Ourselves tours in early 2026 with performances at:

Derby Theatre - 28th February

Proteus Creation Space in Basingstoke - 3rd March

Arena Theatre Wolverhampton - 5th March

Touchstones at Rochdale Ukrainian Club - 12th March.

Book Tickets: https://alteredskin.org/project/when-we-see-ourselves/

Altered Skins Links:
Website - https://alteredskin.org

Instagram - @alteredskincic

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #appliedtheatre #appliedtheatrepodcast #podcast #alteredskin #Shaneshambhu

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (with subtitles) – Applied Theatre Podcast

Chris Sonnex, Artistic Director of Cardboard Citizens, joins me to discuss how theatre can challenge inequality and create genuine pathways for people with lived experience of homelessness and poverty. From hostel tours to award winning films and now a new anthology, More Than One Story, Chris shares how the company continues to evolve, redefining what theatre can be and who gets to make it.

We explore Cardboard Citizens’ “garden model” of membership, where workshops, co-production forums and creative mentoring plant the seeds for long term growth. Chris talks about working with writers such as Malorie Blackman, Inua Ellams and Michelle de Swarte, and about giving new voices a national platform through open submissions and accessible opportunities.

https://cardboardcitizens.org.uk/whats-on/event/cardboard-citizens-presents-more-than-one-story/

The conversation also delves into trauma informed practice, exploring how artists and facilitators are trained to create safer spaces, manage boundaries and avoid becoming a “one stop shop” for participants’ wider crises. Chris reflects candidly on the challenges of leadership, the shifting responsibilities of an Artistic Director, and the importance of removing ego to future proof an organisation and its artists.

Thank you Chris for an inspiring discussion about creativity, care and community, and for reminding us that art is not just what happens on stage, but how we choose to work together.

Chris’s Links:
Website - https://cardboardcitizens.org.uk

Instagram - @cardboardcitz

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #appliedtheatre #appliedtheatrepodcast #podcast #ChrisSonnex #CardboardCitizens

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Marc Brew, Internationally renowned and award winning disabled artist and Artistic Director of the Marc Brew Company, joins me to discuss his powerful new performance An Accident / A Life. Inspired by the car accident that changed his life 27 years ago, the work weaves dance, theatre and live projections to tell a deeply personal yet universal story of resilience, humour and intimacy. Developed in collaboration with Belgian Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the piece has grown through residencies, creative tasks and ongoing refinement, and will premiere at Sadler’s Wells East, London, 25 to 27 September 2025.

 Marc reflects on the challenges of performing semi-autobiographical material night after night, the importance of maintaining emotional honesty, and the role of humour in connecting with audiences. He shares how the work honours not only his survival but also the memories of friends who did not, creating a conversation with audiences about vulnerability, strength and care.

 My conversation with Marc also explores wider questions of inclusivity and opportunity for disabled artists, from training access to the need for more representative spaces in the arts. Looking ahead, Marc talks about future projects such as Boys Don't Dance, which challenges gender stereotypes for young audiences, while continuing to advocate for diversity and collaboration at the heart of his practice.

 If you want to experience this extraordinary performance in person, tickets for An Accident / A Life at Sadler’s Wells East, London, 25 to 27 September 2025, are available now. Don’t miss the chance to see Marc’s powerful story brought vividly to life on stage. Thank you Marc for your time.

Book tickets HERE!:

https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/marc-brew-sidi-larbi-cherkaoui-an-accident-a-life/

Marc’s links:

Website - marcbrew.com

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #appliedtheatre #appliedtheatrepodcast #podcast #marcbrew #sadlerswellseast #dance

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Professor Sarah Saddler explores her groundbreaking research on the role of Applied Theatre within corporate settings, particularly across India, South Africa, and the UAE. Drawing from her book Performing Corporate Bodies, she discusses how theatre techniques, such as role play and improvisation are used not just for team-building, but as tools to instil corporate values, promote behavioural development, and align employees with company ideologies.

Sarah challenges the traditional view of Applied Theatre as solely activist or liberatory, arguing that in corporate contexts, these methods often blur the lines between empowerment and control. Through ethnographic case studies, she highlights how theatre is employed in tech firms, luxury brands, and even post-apartheid workplaces sometimes reinforcing hierarchies, other times offering cathartic release or subtle resistance.

Our conversation unpacks how this evolving practice reshapes ideas of community, identity, and agency, particularly in neoliberal work environments. We chatted about navigating the emotional complexity for both facilitators and participants, raising significant questions about the ethics of theatrical interventions in profit-driven spaces. Thank you Sarah for sharing your thought-provoking research exploring the power and politics of Applied Performance in unexpected places.

BUY Sarah’s Book HERE!:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Performing-Corporate-Bodies-Multinational-Performance/dp/1032421428

Sarah’s links:

Website - https://baruch.cuny.edu/profiles/faculty/Sarah-Saddler

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #appliedtheatre #appliedtheatrepodcast #podcast #SarahSaddler #PerformingCorporateBodies

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Mattea and Lydia form Balancing Act, a theatre company focused on playfulness and storytelling for all. They share their approach to devising theatre that creates inclusive, supportive spaces where participants—regardless of background, age, or experience—can express themselves freely.

They discuss the power of theatre in fostering community. With backgrounds in drama, psychology, Mattea and Lydia reflect on how play can be a tool for well-being, particularly for neurodivergent young people and older adults. Their work brings together diverse groups, from corporate professionals to retired women, emphasising that creativity is for everyone.

The duo shares heartwarming anecdotes of participants forming friendships, supporting each other, and embracing silliness as a form of self-expression. Ultimately, Balancing Act champions theatre as a socially prescribed necessity—an accessible, joyful space where everyone can benefit from play. Whether through improvisation, movement, or devised storytelling, their work proves that creativity has a profound impact on mental well-being. Thank you both for your time.

Balancing Act’s links:

Website - www.batheatre.com

Instagram: @batheatrearts

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #appliedtheatre #appliedtheatrepodcast #podcast #balancingact

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Episode Summary

Dr. Luke Allder, an applied performance and visual artist practitioner, joins me to discuss the Attune Project, a large-scale research initiative exploring creativity and mental health in adolescents with adverse childhood experiences. Luke, based at the University of Kent, collaborates with a multidisciplinary team across Oxford, Leeds, and Falmouth to develop innovative approaches to youth mental health support.

Luke shares insights into various strands of delivery, where creative workshops—including collage, animation, and dance—were used to engage young people in discussions about their mental health, identifying key protective and risk factors. These findings informed the development of "Validating Voices," a professional toolkit designed to help educators, charities, and healthcare workers foster meaningful conversations with young people about validation and well-being. Throughout our time together, Luke shared his challenges and successes of integrating creative methodologies into mental health support. The conversation highlights the power of creativity, validation, and lived experience in supporting young people through adversity. Thank you Luke for your time.

Lukes links:

Website - https://www.attuneproject.com/https/wwwattuneprojectcom/what-is-validating-voices

https://kar.kent.ac.uk/100356/

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #applied theatre #podcast #LUKE ALLDER #ATTUNE PROJECT

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Dr. Thalia Goldstein, an associate professor and director of the Applied Developmental Psychology program in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University, released a new book titled 'Why Theatre Education Matters' in the summer of 2024. The book delves into the examination of psychological processes involved when participating in theatre. Dr. Goldstein shares her research findings and provides practical applications for facilitators, educators, and actors. As the practice of Applied Theatre continues to evolve, Dr. Thalia Goldstein's research deserves recognition and consideration when advocating for the pivotal role of drama and theatre in the development of young individuals. Greatly appreciate your time, Thalia. Thank you.

Why Theatre Education Matters: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Theatre-Education-Matters-Understanding/dp/0807769983

Why Theatre Education Matters, published in summer 2024, is a psychological analysis and

description of the benefits of learning how to act and perform. This book looks behind the

curtain of theatre education to see how thinking on stage happens in real classrooms.

Thalia’s links:

Website - https://www.thaliagoldstein.com/

X - https://x.com/thaliagoldstein

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #applied theatre #podcast #Thalia Goldstein #Why Theatre Education Matters #Psychology

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

London Bubble Theatre is situated in South London and primarily operates in Southwark. Marie Vickers, the Artistic Director, enthusiastically detailed the theatre’s exceptional community-facing programmes, showcasing their dedication to providing the community with genuine, adventurous, and thoughtful arts engagement. Their outreach programmes cater to children, young people, and their "Bubble for Older Adults" initiative, offering individuals over 55 opportunities to connect and create. London Bubble Theatre exemplifies how theatre can significantly benefit a community, offering valuable insights into effective community engagement. Thank you, Marie, for your valuable insights.

MAKING THEATRE FROM THE STORIES THAT MATTER TO OUR COMMUNITY, TO CREATE A FAIRER SOCIETY.

We care about creativity, connection and community.

London Bubble links:

Website - https://www.londonbubble.org.uk

Instagram - @bubbletheatre

X - @lbubble

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #applied theatre #podcast #LondonBubble #Theatre

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Discover the insightful world of "A Pocket Full of Drama" by the talented author Sam Marsden, part of their Drama Resource Book Series. Sam's firsthand experience of teaching in both regular and non-traditional education settings gives you a real feel for how these books are put together. They're written so well for teachers, facilitators, or anyone keen on adding drama to their skill set. Each game and exercise is explained thoroughly and laid out well to make sure the person leading the activity knows exactly what they're doing. I've tried out the books myself and can confirm that there are plenty of really fun, new games to discover. Thank you Sam for your time.

‘Sam's work hopes to empower and spark people's creativity, whether through her drama teaching, teaching resources, or fiction’

Sams links:

Website - https://www.marsdensam.com/

Instagram - @poketfulofdrama

X - @sammarsdendrama

Applied Theatre Podcast:

X - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #applied theatre #podcast #SamMarsden #Dramaresource

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

Computers & Theatre, led by Artistic Director Paul Sutton, revolutionises how participatory theatre is made, accessed and experienced. Our conversation explores their mission to make responsive Applied Theatre accessible to classrooms and participants globally. Their technology ‘Prospero’ is designed to enable access to creative learning in any space with a computer, it is also intelligent enough to complement the pace, style and decision-making of those participating with the hundreds of interactive workshops, performances and lessons available—a huge thank you Paul for your time.

‘C&T is a team of applied theatre practitioners, technologists and researchers, finding new ways of fusing drama and digital technologies. Our award-winning Prospero theatre technology is transforming lives and communities around the world.’

C&T links:

Website - https://www.candt.org/

Instagram - @candt_theatre

Twitter - @c_&_t

Applied Theatre Podcast:

Twitter - @Apptheatrepod

Instagram - @AppliedTheatrePod

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast

#theatre #applied theatre #podcast #C&T #computers