Dear colleagues and friends,
The TaPRA Theatre, Performance and Philosophy working group is seeking new co-convenors to lead the facilitation of this gathering as we move into an exciting new chapter. After three years of dedicated and generative work Annalaura Alifuoco, Jenny Swingler and Vânia Gala will be stepping down from their convenor roles following the 2025 conference. We are grateful for the vibrant intellectual community that has flourished during this time and we look forward to welcoming new voices, ears and orientations to carry this work forward.
The Theatre, Performance and Philosophy working group has been a space for examining theatre and performance through philosophy as an expanded field of relations, creating space for rigorous inquiry that spans diverse methodologies, geographies and ways of knowing. We meet annually at the TaPRA conference and sustain opportunities for gathering through themed interim events at partner institutions across the UK and beyond.
Our past events have explored rich and varied terrain, including ‘Reaching/Outreaching’ (2018), ‘Magic, Endings/Exits and Water: How does performance escape?’ (2019), ‘Unknowing: Modes of Performance’ (2021), ‘Survival’ (2022), ‘Catastrophe and Reinvention’ (2023), ‘ Uncertain Groundlessness’ (2024) and ” On Performance and Borders’ (2025). Selected papers of high quality have been published as edited collections, extending the reach and impact of our collective work.
We are seeking co-convenors who bring:
- A commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable and accessible practices in Theatre and Performance research
- An openness to diverse philosophical approaches, epistemologies and ways of engaging with performance
- Enthusiasm for creating conditions where scholars and artists at all career stages – particularly those historically underrepresented in the discipline – feel welcomed and valued
- A collaborative spirit and willingness to work across differences, institutions and geographies
- Interest in sustaining and evolving the working group’s intellectual community through thoughtful programming and care for our members
The role offers an opportunity to shape the future direction of a shapeshifting scholarly community, to facilitate meaningful conversations at the intersection of philosophy and performance and to contribute to creating more just and accountable spaces within our discipline.
Please complete the expression of interest form at Google Form by Friday, 28th November 2025: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pYYN0yNS8h2UaUbx4dY_GQ7VMFd_Yh7bnA-pcF3d9UQ/edit
The form includes questions about your experience, institutional affiliations and orientation for the working group. A description of convenor responsibilities is included within the form.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the role informally before applying, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or contact us directly:
Dr Annalaura Alifuoco: [email protected]
Dr Jenny Swingler: [email protected]
Dr Vânia Gala: [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you and to the new directions you might take this working group.
With warm regards and appreciation,
Annalaura, Jenny and Vânia
