Seven in ten workers on the frontline of the pandemic are female. In the last year, more women have lost jobs, been furloughed and taken on unpaid care than men. Have women faced a disproportionate emotional and mental burden during the pandemic? Have we lost some of the gains made towards women’s liberation? Hear from Titilola Dawudu (Company Director for Sour Lemons), Eliane Glaser (Author of Motherhood: A Manifesto), and Resham Kotecha (Head of Engagement for Women2Win), led in discussion by our Chair Dr Hannah Barham-Brown (Deputy Leader for Women's Equality Party). Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Tuesday 22 June 2021.

This discussion took place on 25th May 2021, the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. A year after individuals and organisations stood in solidarity against state violence, how much progress has really been made? What actions must now be taken to oppose racism and white supremacy in our communities, society and around the world? Hear from Diane Abbott (Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington) and George Shire (cultural theorist), led in discussion by our Chair Bea Udeh (creative entrepreneur and author). Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Tuesday 25 May 2021.

The pandemic has exacerbated inequalities that were already severe. From the free school meals scandal to a proposed return to austerity policies, how can we understand the implications, and rebuild a fairer society? Hear from Mark Thomas (writer and performer, Mark Thomas: Check-Up at Arcola Theatre in 2018) and Wanda Wyporska (Executive Director of The Equality Trust). Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Thursday 13 May 2021.

Richard Speir interviews Robin Hooper about Broken Lad, coming soon to Arcola Outside. Above a pub in North London, Phil waits to go on stage. As he laments his dwindling career, his son Josh arrives believing that his dad harbours a damaging secret. With the gig hour nearing, past misdemeanours catch up with the family. Tonight, Phil’s career might not be the only thing in tatters. Robin Hooper is a prolific and lauded playwright (Queer Fish, Battersea Arts Centre - Critics Choice, Time Out, Whats On), who returns to Arcola following Not the Love I Cry For (2006). This world premiere is directed by Richard Speir whose previous work at Arcola includes Gentlemen (2020) and Spun (2018). Broken Lad opens on 13 October, part of Today I'm Wiser → https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/broken-lad/

On 1 May 1707, the kingdoms of England and Scotland were “United into One Kingdom by the Name of Great Britain”. 314 years on, has Brexit and Covid laid the grounds for divorce? If the union were to break up, what would it mean, and how would we feel about it? Hear from Dr Martin Farr (Senior Lecturer in Contemporary British History at Newcastle University), Caitlin Skinner (Artistic Director of Stellar Quines Theatre Company, an award-winning Scottish theatre company that celebrates the value and diversity of women and girls), and Brian Logan (Scottish Artistic Director of Camden People’s Theatre). Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Saturday 1 May 2021.

A week before Earth Day, theatre-maker and activist Kay Michael leads a discussion on the climate emergency and the Letters to the Earth project. How can we address our planet and the crisis it faces? You can buy the Letters to the Earth book now, which brings together over 100 letters from people around the world. https://uk.bookshop.org/books/letters-to-the-earth-writing-to-a-planet-in-crisis/9780008374471 Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Thursday 15 April 2021.

On the last day of the spring term, we consider the outlook for children and young people. What have been the impacts of the pandemic on their education and life chances? To protect their futures, what needs to happen now? Hear from Sarah Drummond (Assistant Headteacher), Nadya Bettioui (Projects Manager for Immediate Theatre), and multiple Youth Theatre members. Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Thursday 1 April 2021.

On the anniversary of Arcola closing its doors due to Covid-19, hear from campaigners and join us for a discussion on the future of the arts. What impact has the pandemic, and the UK’s exit from the EU, had on our arts sector? What can we do to ensure it recovers fully and fairly – and how might it be different? Hear from Sally Beck Wippman (Freelancers Make Theatre Work), Giovanni Bienne (Chair of LGBT+ Committee for Equity), Lora Krasteva (Migrants in Theatre), and Mei Mac (Public Campaign for the Arts, Rising Waves). Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Monday 15 March 2021.

Marking LGBT+ History Month and the publication of his new book GLF at 50: The Art of Protest, Dan de la Motte discusses the art and activism of the Gay Liberation Front. How can their struggles inspire us to take action today? Dan is a performer, activist, researcher and presenter. He has appeared in shows with the Arcola Queer Collective including Qtopia, Fine and Dandy and They, Them, We, Us. Arcola’s series of free, online discussions, #ArcolaConversations, provide a chance to reconnect with the community, explore big ideas and imagine the future together at this time of historic upheaval. This discussion took place on Saturday 27 February 2021.

Arcola's future is at risk. Will you help us survive? http://arco.la/covid19