Invitation

Do you love theatre?

Do you find it frustrating?

Do you wish it were different?

Do you feel like an outsider in your own profession?

Do you want to help change things for the better?

Have you just started out and need support?

Have you been in the profession for years and feel jaded?

Is your sector always left out of the discussions?

Do you usually dread discussions and meetings?

Are you looking for a sense of: community, eldership, mentorship?

Are you looking to change things?

DEVOTED AND DISGRUNTLED 5
What are we going to do about theatre?

"The annual Devoted and Disgruntled open space will be on the last weekend in January- keep the dates free; it's the most energizing event in the theatre calendar."
Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

Five years ago I sent out the first invitation to “Devoted & Disgruntled”. I’d become aware that, passionate as I was about theatre, I found myself frustrated at how we make it, how we communicate with each other and how little the existing structures supported us to feel part of a genuine community. Since that first invitation to others who were devoted and disgruntled, this has become an extraordinary annual event.

From each of the previous four D&Ds have come an amazing number of projects and initiatives. Some of them very tangible, others, equally important, are more subtle and tangential. Whatever they are, from new theatre companies to individual projects, from pressure groups to artist’s salons, D&D has helped bring them to fruition. Perhaps most importantly for me has been the gradual and growing sense of community. I have to say I was astonished by the number of people who turned out for the first D&D event and I’m incredibly excited that here we are – in our fifth year!

So if there are things you are passionate about or things you are pissed off about, projects or proposals you need support on, or if you want to connect with your community, all are possible because in Open Space you set the agenda. Nothing is off limits.

If you feel like this event might not be for you then that is a sure sign we need your input! If you feel that the issues that affect you or your sector never get discussed so what’s the point of turning up? This is the event for you.

On past experiences of D&D, the more diverse our group, the more creative and exciting the work has been. All sectors and genres; Fringe, West End, Off West End, London based, regional etc etc are invited. If you’ve never been to D&D we need your voice, if you’ve been to every D&D we need your voice. Whatever your connection to theatre; on stage, back stage, off stage, in the audience, you are invited.

In it’s fifth year we still don’t know where D&D is headed – and I think this uncertainty is exciting and I am passionate about opening the space again. I’m excited by the opportunity D&D5 gives me and you to reconnect with UK theatre and the wider arts community. To continue building on the work we have begun and generate new initiatives. And to reconnect without cynicism and lethargy but rather with renewed energy.

I hope to see you at this, our fifth D&D.

Phelim

Phelim McDermott
Co-Artistic Director, Improbable