Inventing the Future is a new one-off festival created by HighTide.
Taking place from its new home at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, it runs from 22 to 24 October and offers a programme of rehearsed readings, workshops and talks, together with an online theatre industry symposium presented with the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.
Six new plays created with the support of the company during the pandemic will have their first airing, and audiences will also be able to enjoy work emerging from HighTide’s community projects with Lowestoft’s Access Community Trust and Suffolk Refugee Support, as well as other events.
The two-day virtual symposium addresses the issue of "What is the future of new theatre writing and how do we make that future with equality, generosity and joy?"
Figures from all corners of the industry will debate current key issues: Innovation and New Technologies, Anti-Racism and Climate Change.
Amy Vaughan, director of touring and East of England, Arts Council England, will give the closing address.
Richard Pinner, theatre chair of symposium co-presenters, WGGB, said, “the pandemic has delivered acute challenges to the theatre landscape, but it is not the only pressing issue on the horizon for the sector. Equality and diversity, climate justice and the digital revolution afforded by streaming are just some of the areas WGGB has set its sights on advocating for our playwright members.
“We are, therefore, delighted to be continuing our close working relationship with HighTide by partnering with them on their Inventing The Future symposium, and to support to their progressive, influential and vital work.”
Tickets for the symposium are priced at £25, and £15 for freelancers, some NPO organisations, support sector organisations and WGGB members. All sessions will be captioned.
Ticket information for the other events in the festival can be found on the New Wolsey Theatre web site.