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Devoted & Disgruntled: What are we going to do about theatre and the performing arts? (Your News)

Devoted & Disgruntled: What are we going to do about theatre and the performing arts? (Your News)

Improbable’s 15th annual unconventional conference for performing arts people, Devoted & Disgruntled: What are we going to do about theatre and the performing arts? will take place on Sat, 8th, Sun, 9th and Mon, 10th Feb 2020 at Battersea Arts Centre, London.

Devoted & Disgruntled is an opportunity for performing arts people, from artists to students, CEOs to front of house staff, grassroots groups to seasoned professionals, to come together for a national conversation around the issues affecting the arts in the UK.

Lee Simpson, Co-Artistic Director of Improbable says: “As we watch current events unfold I would guess I am not alone being mired in anxiety, fear, anger, helplessness. But I feel none of those things when we meet as a community in Open Space. Not because we all know the answer and we all agree but because we have different opinions or perhaps no opinion at all and from this multiplicity of voices comes clarity. Actions seem obvious and possible. My path opens up and I know what to do. And there is so much to do.”

D&D uses a process called Open Space Technology (OST) which supports groups to self-organise and collaborate around any question of shared concern. It gives all participants the chance to propose a starting point for discussion, take part in any of the conversations or flit between them all. It is particularly effective in dealing with complex issues where diverse and conflicting views are present. At D&D everyone’s voice can be heard and no topic is censored.

“Devoted and Disgruntled was born out of frustration,” says Phelim McDermott, Co-Artistic Director. “I was frustrated both with theatre and with myself. I knew things could be better in theatre and I also knew the way I responded to that situation could be more creative. I wanted to stop moaning and actually do something about it.”

This year for the first time all tickets are Pay What You Choose.

Olivia Coxhead, Producer of D&D15 and Improbable says: “D&D thrives when there are a range of voices in the room, from every part of the sector, at every level of experience. The cost of D&D has always been offset by Improbable, in order to keep ticket prices low. But by changing our model, and offering Pay What You Choose tickets instead of fixed price tiers, we hope that this brilliant event will be even more affordable and open to all.”

To ensure that D&D is an inclusive conversation for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, access provision this year will include live captioning, BSL interpretation, tactile venue markings, an accessible changing space, and support for neurodivergent attendees including plain-text materials and a quiet space with specialist equipment. Anyone who would like to discuss specific access requirements to attend the event is encouraged to contact dandd@improbable.co.uk or 020 7240 4556.

Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN
8-10 February 2020 (8 & 9 February 10.30am – 6.30pm, 10th February 10.30am – 2.30pm)

Pay-What-You-Choose
Tickets & booking: www.devotedanddisgruntled.com/Event/devoted-disgruntled-15

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