Dramaturg
Gut wins - every time!
You can't argue with it.
'I just feel it in my gut'.
Great - conversation over.
But when we need to reflect,
to collaborate and work out how to make it 'better'...
then we need some tools
and conversation.
So... how to be useful, part of the solution and move things forward...
Pre pandemic, David returned to University to study Dramaturgy & Critical Theory. He's fascinated by the processes involved in making new work, and how the study of structural, cultural and critical frameworks can offer insightful ways to see things anew.
Gaining a MA in Dramaturgy from Goldsmiths University, David continues to research the intersection of Dramaturgy and Critical Theory (and the structures of power which are therefore exposed) in the aim of supporting new writing.
But mainly, he likes being useful and part of the solution... if there is one.
Projects
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Prior to his musical involvement, David was brought on board as the dramaturg to assist in the creation of Leeds Playhouse's new production from the multiple sources available: the original Dahl novel, two films, and two dramatically different musical versions. Through the application of structural, semiotic, Marxist, gendered and post-colonial lenses (among others), David worked with James Brining and the team in developing the new production.
Coraline
David was involved with a team of writers in the development of a new music theatre version of Neil Gaiman's Coraline. At times, David applied structural, genre and narratology, psychological (Lacanian mirror theory, notions of the 'Uncanny'), gendered and Foucauldian lenses to process. Time will tell if this has been useful - potentially not! Some processes need to remain instinctual and too much analysis doesn't always help. Hopefully we learn as much from the times when we're not helpful as we do from the times when we are.
Reader & Development
David is a reader for the National Theatre and has a long history of supporting new work through the many stages of writing, development and workshop to full production.