10am: Welcome
Words of welcome from Ruth McGowan, Literary & New Work Director at the Abbey Theatre and Hugh Linehan, Duty Editor, Writer and Podcaster at The Irish Times
10.15am: The End of Criticism?
Theatre critic Arifa Akbar explores whether the art of criticism is facing a crisis amid shrinking column inches and the growth of influencer culture. From identity politics to the internet, social and technological change is challenging the ideals that have underpinned the work of critics for centuries. What does this mean for criticism and for culture at large? Introduction and Q&A by Ruth McGowan.
11am: Reports from the Theatre Beat
Dedicated critics Helen Meany, Nancy Durrant, Katy Hayes and Fergus Morgan discuss the realities of writing and talking about theatre in Ireland and the UK now. They offer their perspective on what audiences and theatre makers do and don’t want from criticism in 2025. They will share how they are sustaining their practice and what they are fighting to keep for the future of the artform.
11.50am: Coffee Break
12.10pm: Mother of Invention
Innovators Karen Fricker, Giuliano Levato, Ciara L Murphy and Holly Williams talk about how they have evolved their critical practice with the times, repurposing existing platforms and founding new models to connect audiences with the work of theatre artists.
1pm: Lunch break
2pm: Ben Brantley & Fintan O’Toole In Conversation
Informed by decades of rigorous and insightful engagement with Irish and American theatre these eloquent and hugely influential writers are paired in a conversation about the future of theatre criticism. Introduction by Jimmy Fay, theatre director and Executive Producer at Lyric Theatre Belfast.
3pm: Do You Read Me?
What can theatre criticism learn from the experience and approach of critics in other mediums? In this panel discussion Cristín Leach, Roe McDermott, Berginald Rash and Brendan MacEvilly share perspectives from visual art, film, music and literature.
3.50pm: Coffee Break
4.05pm: Why It Matters
Writer and cultural critic Jennifer Krasinski shares her thinking about perpetuating critical writing as a vibrant literary form. Based on her upcoming book The Craft of Cultural Criticism: Writing About the Arts and Why It Matters, coauthored by editor and critic David O’Neill, she will speak about the importance of criticism in the contemporary moment and the value of teaching and mentoring as part of a thriving cultural landscape. Introduction and Q&A by Emily Reilly.
4.55pm: Closing comments
5pm: Drinks Reception in the Peacock Bar
Further Programming:
Young Critics Correspondents
The Young Critics Programme is part of Youth Theatre Ireland’s commitment to developing youth theatre members’ awareness and appreciation of the aesthetic of theatre. One of Youth Theatre Ireland’s longest-running and most innovative programmes, over 300 young people have taken part in their Young Critics’ programmes since 2004. Recent alumni Kayla Conaty-Hicks and Dearbhla McCormick are attending the symposium and will share their perspective as Young Critics Correspondents. Their responses will be compiled in the coming days and shared via the Abbey Theatre website and social media channels.
Mission Critical Report
Dr Tanya Dean, Script Associate at the Abbey Theatre is compiling a report along with this symposium through consultation with assembled guest speakers and data gathered from audience surveys. The report will document the ideas and discoveries of the symposium and begin to map the resourcing required to sustain a thriving ecology of impactful, dynamic theatre criticism for artists and audiences in Ireland into the future. If you would like to contribute your opinion on reviews to her research, please complete this short survey.
Who is who?
Find out more about our invited speakers and attendees here.
