Remixing the Classics: A Cross-Professional Workshop and Networking Event

Join us for an afternoon of cross-professional exploration and collaboration as we consider what happens when classic literature and digital technologies collide.

• What are the opportunities and challenges that artists face when they adapt classic stories using digital technology?
• What happens when digital adaptations make it to the classroom?
• How can we use tech to engage new generations of audiences and students in ancient myth, Shakespearean tragedy, Gothic horror, Austen-esque comedy, and so much more?

This free event will focus on seeding connections among practitioners and teachers in the UK and especially the Midlands, though it is open to all (and its talks will be streamed online). It will include lunch before, coffee during, and a reception at the end, all with the aim of facilitating conversation and networking after the many challenges of pandemic isolation.

Travel bursaries to attend the event in person are available for freelancers, teachers, and early career practitioners across professions.

Programme:

noon-1pm - lunch

1-1.30 - welcome and opening remarks from Erin Sullivan and Deborah Cartmell (Co-Chairs of the Remixing the Classics network)

1.30-2pm - Sarah Ellis (Director of Digital Development at the Royal Shakespeare Company) talking about the RSC's Innovate UK-funded Audience of the Future project, Dream (based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream)

2-2.30pm - discussion

2.30-3pm - coffee

3-3.45pm - Lara Ratnaraja (Cultural Consultant and Curator of Hello Culture), chairing a roundtable with creative practitioners, including Lucy Askew (Chief Executive of Creation Theatre Company), Katie Day (Artistic Director of The Other Way Works), Ben Spiller (Artistic Director of 1623 Theatre Company) and James Yarker (Artistic Director of Stan's Cafe)

3.45-4.30pm - Vicki Edmunds (Media Studies and English Teacher at Chipping Camden School), chairing a roundtable with teachers, including Stefan Kucharczyk (Head of ARTiculate Education Consultancy), Cassie Martin (Head of English & CPD Lead, The King's School Gloucester), Farida Mili (Lead Teacher for KS3 English, Tudor Grange Academy, Solihull) and Andrea Moon (KS4 Coordinator for English, Cotswold School)

4.30-5pm - closing discussion and remarks

5-6pm - wine reception

Further information:

The workshop will be held in the Assembly Room in Birmingham's historic, city-centre building, The Exchange, which is devoted to knowledge exchange and public engagement. The main talks from the day will also be streamed online. By clicking the 'register' button on this page you can sign up to attend in person or to receive the online link.

The Exchange has level access to the building, accessible toilets, and hearing loops are available on request. Visit AccessAble for more detailed accessibility information.

The online stream of this event will include live, automated captions. If there is additional support that would make the session more accessible for you, please write to e.sullivan@bham.ac.uk and we can discuss possible arrangements.

Part of the UKRI-funded research network, Remixing the Classics: Digital Adaptation and the Literary and Dramatic Canon.