HUMANISTAN is a programme of work, to be nurtured, curated, presented through the vision of Chris O’ Connell and Julia Negus at Theatre Absolute. As opener to the programme, and at the same time marking 10 years of the wonderful Shop Front Theatre, are two pieces created through the ‘Live Briefs’ professional practice module at Coventry University. Stephanie Ridings and myself have been working with groups of 3rd year performance practice students at the University, and the fruits of these collaborations will be presented in the Shop Front this week, 16th – 18th October 2019.

Both pieces are discursive responses to a written provocation from Chris. An invitation to reassess what it is to be human and to connect with each other as responsible citizens.   C’mon! is the piece I have been developing. It takes its cue from the idea of the Commons, and the ‘tragedy of the Commons’ which threatens to undermine our rights of access to shared resources.