There are two central questions driving this seminar: firstly, what is the state of play in terms of the critical reviewing of theatre (or any of the arts) in Northern Ireland/ the north of Ireland? And two, what can or should the role of the critic be within the context of the extreme underfunding and lack of care for the arts that characterises this region? We invite theatre-makers and producers, artists, academics and journalists to join us for the conversation that might be sparked by these questions.

In addressing these questions, we seek to understand what models of reviewing practice might be applicable in this context. While critically engaged reviewing of theatre is by no means absent from the city’s cultural life, we often lack the space and time for deep critical reflection on art. The particularities of the region and its challenging funding terrain suggest that reviewing might be better practiced as a work of care, critical care certainly, but care nonetheless. That reviewing might be part of the growth medium helping theatre to flourish is an idea that needs to be taken seriously here. Inspired by important feminist writings on reviewing by Jill Dolan among others, this open seminar addresses the challenges – and opportunities – that Belfast represents for the putative queer-feminist spectator as critic.

It is open to arts professionals, postgraduate students and academics, as well as to the general public. We welcome participants from across the arts disciplines within the academy and we especially welcome industry perspectives on the topic.

The seminar will take a focus group approach to understanding the problem and will rely on participation from attendees to gather data for further research. Ethics information will be circulated at registration and on the day. 

Registration: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/criticism-in-precarious-contexts  

The seminar is being held to coincide with the visit of Prof Jill Dolan (Princeton University) to Queen’s. She will speak about her work the previous evening; more information can be found about that event here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/performance-as-possibility-finding-joy-and-hope-at-the-theatre  

These events are coordinated by Trish McTighe (QUB), Ciara McAllister (QUB), Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Claire Murphy (QUB) and Kristýna Ilek (QUB). For queries about the event please email t.mctighe@qub.ac.uk.

We are grateful to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences’ Global Reputation Fund and the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s University Belfast for supporting this event. 

Image: The Half Moon (2022) by Alice Malseed; performer: Ruby Campbell (Photo by Johnny Frazer)