Dr Graeme Forbes, Lecturer in Philosophy for the Department of Philosophy, has recently become the philosophical consultant for the critically acclaimed theatre company Theatre Re and their latest project Birth.
Established in 2009, Theatre Re is a London-based international ensemble creating thought-provoking and moving work. Its shows examine fragile human conditions in a compelling, physical style; embracing mime, theatre and live music; and are often described as magical, poetic and tender, as well as disturbing and haunting.
As a consultant for this project, Graeme discussed concepts such as the passage of time; universality and the particular; the difference between the past, the present and future; hope, absurdity, memory, and our experiences of time flying by, or creeping painfully and uncertainly through a traumatic experience.
Guillaume Pigé, Artistic Director of Theatre Re, said, “It was absolutely wonderful to have Graeme with us in rehearsal. He was able to put things in perspective and help us make connections with wider philosophical concepts. He also allowed us to get a better understanding of what we are doing. Having him on board was incredibly inspirational!”
Will Wollen, Faculty Director of Public Engagement for Humanities, said, “We all want research at Kent to be seen by a wide public audience. Matching researchers with artists is great way of making that happen. Graeme’s expertise and research made him a great match for the area that Guillaume was wanting to explore. Birth will be seen by hundreds of people at the London International Mime Festival in January and there’s the possibility of further touring both in the UK and abroad. It’s not every day that you see ‘Philosopher’ as a credit on a theatre programme!”
Birth premieres as part of the 2019 LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL at Shoerditch Town Hall from 10th-13th January. There will be a post-show discussion on 12th Jan. Tickets can be purchased here.
Regarding the project, Graeme says, “When I first spoke to the director back in August, I was surprised about how interested they were in my thoughts as a philosopher. Having seen how the show has developed, it’s incredible to see the depth of engagement with ideas below the surface of everything they do.”