May 27, 2009

ONE YEAR ON… Open Industry Forum at Downstage  

Saturday. 20 June 2009, 2.30-4pm
Downstage Theatre
Cnr Courtenay Place and Cambridge

Downstage Director Hilary Beaton will be holding an open forum at the Hannah Playhouse, Courtenay Place on Saturday 20 June from 2.30 – 4 pm.

There will be two parts to the forum – Downstage Director Hilary Beaton will address the topic "Downstage – one year on" and its relationship with the Independent Theatre sector, followed by a panel discussion with artists and companies who have worked with Downstage in 08/09 and future plans for the theatre.

Hilary will address the future of theatre generally and express, directly to the artistic community, the rationale for Downstage returning to a mixed-curated programme of national and international works with a strong focus on NZ theatre-making.

She will also discuss with the panel ways in which Downstage can support and develop its relationship with the Independent Theatre sector by taking a leadership role in creating a healthier working environment.

From Downstage Director, Hilary Beaton:

"I’ve been in the job for almost a year and a great deal of the vision presented at the last Forum has been implemented. This is an opportunity to see how that vision is tracking and where it is leading us to.

"I think it would be good to come together so we can share some of the lessons learnt over the past year and to seek advice about how some of our future plans might be implemented in a way that  best serves artists and their work.  

In particular, I’ve been interested in how independent theatre operates here and how Downstage can best support these diverse and dynamic artistic aspirations. There are some clear opportunities for Downstage to partner with the sector and enliven Wellington’s flourishing theatre sector. I’m looking forward to a lively discussion about that and other things".

For further information on the Public Forum and interview requests please contact: Downstage Theatre, Marketing, phone: (04) 802 6392, email: marketing@downstage.co.nz