Australian Theatre Forum 2011

Theatre practitioners, producers and commentators descended on Brisbane's Powerhouse from 14-16 September for the Australian Theatre Forum 2011. 

Amidst a frantic program of events, the discussion was passionate, the ideas were inspiring and the setting - fantastic! 

We've teamed up with the ATF to provide an insight into this highly charged and animated exchange of ideas and experiences, releasing a series of video highlights from panel sessions, discussions and presentations that took place over three days.

First up, here’s a taste of the atmosphere, with reflections from a cross-section of participants, including Robyn Archer and Wesley Enoch:

Next up, Postcards from the Future, which kicked off the forum on 14 September. Theatre makers shared their vision of the Australian theatre industry in a form of a video ‘postcard’ from the year 2021.

The speakers were Angharad Wynne-Jones, Brenna Hobson, Joshua Lynzaat, Joey Ruigrok van der Werven, Nadine McDonald-Dowd, Diat Alferink, Rick Heath, Polash Larsen, Lisa Erhart, Robyn Archer and Brian Lucas.

Then we have some clips from the panel session entitled Ideas in Motion, which asked the questions: Are we thinking for innovation? Or are our organisations and practices entrenching old habits? What do we need to hold onto and what do we need to leave behind to negotiate our ever‐evolving worlds?

The facilitator was Janenne Willis (Undercurrent / Next Wave) and the speakers were Amitesh Grover, Cathy Hunt, Sandra Phillips and Alison Croggon.

Next we have highlights of the panel session Interdependence (Love, Money & Artistic Exchange).

The facilitator was Jo Porter (Malthouse Theatre) and the speakers were Paschal Berry, Sam Haren, Yaron Lifschitz and Rosemary Myers. They share their experiences of partnering and the impact it has had on their work, both successes and failures.

Finally, the session entitled Audience Activations on 16 September explored new modes of engagement that can deepen and re-imagine relationships between artists and audiences. The facilitator was Annette Downs (Tasmania Performs) and the speakers were Kristine Landon-Smith, Steve Mayhew, Kyle Morrison and Sam Strong.

You can also check out what bloggers No Plain Jane and Augusta Supple had to say over the course of the event.

Find out more about the Australian Theatre Forum here.