Dr Paul Vlitos, Reader in Creative Writing, Subject Leader: English Literature, Film, Creative Writing, University of Surrey

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It was a hugely successful event – the play itself was stimulating, entertaining and thought-provoking, in terms of the clever production decisions made, the strikingness of the writing and the issues raised, prompting a great deal of lively discussion both after the performance and in subsequent seminars. In module feedback Creative Writing students in particular mentioned the benefits (and the inspiring effect) of seeing a new play on a contemporary topic performed in this kind of setting, with the performance giving them a sense not only of how much can be achieved dramatically under such circumstances but a sense of how they too as writers, directors or performers might be able to stage their future work.

In short, it was an evening which was not only enjoyable for all but of real benefit to the students – and event of the kind which students who attended have repeatedly requested more of.

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Dr Marcus Nicholls, Course Leader: Media and Communication at University of West London

I took my third year Media and Film students to see Under the Radar before organising a Q&A/seminar with the writer/director and lead actor as part of a module on theories of identity and difference. The students were extremely enthusiastic when discussing the play and we had a really productive two-hour discussion of the themes of gender, power, violence, privilege and related ideas. While I had planned a structured session, in fact the students brought so many of their own talking points and discussions from the viewing that I rarely had to intervene. Debates were lively and critically-engaged, and I received very positive feedback from the students who were especially pleased to be able to pose questions directly to the creators. I would highly recommend Under the Radar and the director & actor seminar to any courses/module with discussions of the writing or creative development process, or courses rooted in debates around gender, power, consent, violence, etc.

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