Over the last decade the Red Room has been producing groundbreaking new work from some of the country’s most provocative writers for theatre. In this post 9/11 world, political theatre seems to have had a rebirth: but what does and can political mean? The Red Room aims to free the imagination of its audiences to challenge the status quo - but what are the diverse ways in which we as playwrights and theatre-makers create this kind of dialogue? In this series of master-classes and workshops we seek to uncover some of these processes through the practice and experience of artists who have worked with the Red Room over the last ten years.

jennifer farmer: handle with care: writing with and for vulnerable groups

Theatre is often the forum in which the voices of the marginalized are heard. But when using people’s personal stories, do writers have a responsibility to tread carefully? To whom, if anyone, are we accountable? Handle With Care explores the challenges and moral dilemmas that arise for writers working with personal and sensitive material and offers practical ways in which a balance can be struck between artistry, truth and responsibility. Playwright Jennifer Farmer has written for and with women in prison, children at risk and refugee groups. Her acclaimed play, Compact Failure, was written as part of a residency at HMP Send for Clean Break.

Places are limited for this event, so early booking is advisable.