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The European theatre scene is diverse and encompasses a wide range of aesthetics and thematics. Within this scene, there are numerous distinctive and nuanced approaches and such heterogeneity is also reflected in the tastes and expectations of audiences in different regions and countries. 

We often hear of ‘German’, ‘French’, ‘Nordic’ or even ‘English’ or ‘Balkan’ theatre. These categorisations often imply specific aesthetics and thematic approaches, which are regarded as 'trends'.

Who sets the stage to determine and guide these trends? Are there powers at play who have acquired a self proclaimed ‘quality control’? 

One might also ask - who decides what is put on stage? It is assumed that artists - with their instincts - are those who detect current topics, measure the societal pulses and create artistic works that respond to the needs of the audience. However, are they really free to choose, or is their ‘freedom of choice’ conditioned by external agendas of funders? In recent years, we have witnessed an emerging focus of theatre towards topics such as climate change, which is undoubtedly a positive development. However, to which extent are theatre creatives in Europe today free to follow their own gut feelings and artistic instincts, regardless of external agendas (even when they are important)?

Together, we will explore the ultimate question: what is ‘hot’ in the European theatre scene today and who are the gatekeepers?   

Speakers

Barbara Pocek, IETM/Glej Theatre, Slovenia 

Mark Yeoman, Stichting Noorderzon Festival,  

Ulricha Johnson, Swedish Performing Arts Coalition/Swedish ITI (Scensverige), Sweden

Moderator

Natasha Tripney, United Kingdom