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Dateline:
17th June, 2005
Round Table Rumbles at the National
Round Table Rumbles is a theatre debate format developed by
the Institute of Ideas at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe over the past
four years. The Rumbles bring together a panel of writers, directors,
performers and critics with an audience in a lively late-night environment.
The format has been enthusiastically described as an 'intellectual bearpit',
and 'reviewing as a spectator sport'.
Following the success of the format in Edinburgh, Round Table Rumbles
come to the National Theatre for four nights this summer. Panels will
discuss the themes with reference to one or more shows on at the National
or elsewhere in London. Panellists confirmed so far include Kate Bassrtt
(Independent), Michael Billington (Guardian), Rebecca Lenkiewicz (playwright),
Tom Morris (National Theatre), Ian Sguttleworth (FT), Aleks Sierz (theatre
writer) and Jatinder Verma (Tara Arts).
24 June 10.15pm - 11.30pm - Critics and Criticism
With the theatre critics being slaughtered nightly in the Lyttleton,
what exactly is their role? Are they mere guides to the market or
can they educate and deepen our appreciation? Some argue that critics
have too much power: what gives them the right to cast judgement on
others' work?
1 July 10.15pm - 11.30pm - Politics and Power
Recent years have seen a resurgence of political theatre, with playwrights
taking on the big issues of the day, from war to privatisation. However,
political cynicism and the lack of interest in the recent general
election highlight doubts about the legitimacy of government. Where
has politics gone wrong and how does theatre address our sense of
disenfranchisement?
8 July 10.15pm - 11.30pm - Identity in crisis
With the arts at the centre of the multiculturalism debate, there
are many questions about its role. Does cultural diversity militate
against social cohesion and lead to division and distrust? Is culture
hopelessly divided into ethnic categories, or can we aspire to a common
culture? Is Shakespeare part of a distinctively British or even English
heritage? Is the idea of universal culture a utopian dream?
15 July 10.15pm - 11.30pm - Relationships under strain
It is said that everybody dies alone, but if the stuff of life is
connecting with others, is this the stuff of drama too? With the decline
of 'the family', is there any hope for lasting relationships in the
absence of binding traditions? How does contemporary theatre capture
the shifting meaning of human relationships?
The Roundtable Rumbles will be held in the Late Lounge - the Terrace
Cafe transformed into a late-night chillout bar for Friday and Saturdays
throughout the summer Watch This Space
festival. Admission is free.
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