In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, the act of hope becomes a powerful and radical force. This is the message from acclaimed British playwright Simon Stephens, who believes that sharing experiences and finding common ground with others, despite our differences, is more important than ever.
Stephens, known for his award-winning adaptation of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time', argues that in today's politically and culturally polarized climate, coming together to share an experience is a bold and optimistic act. He describes it as a rare and inspiring opportunity to connect with strangers, to look in the same direction, and to engage in a shared story.
"It's an act of courage to turn off your phone and be present with people you might not agree with politically or ideologically. It's a hopeful gesture that carries an incredible optimism," Stephens says.
Despite the challenges faced by the theatre industry, especially post-Covid, Stephens believes that perseverance is key. He draws a parallel to the post-World War II era, where European playhouses were in ruins but still managed to produce a creative revolution by the mid-1950s. Stephens hopes that a similar optimism can be found in the coming years.
Stephens finds inspiration in the words of actor and writer Peter Ustinov, who defined an optimist as someone who understands the world's sadness and misery but still chooses to face it bravely. Stephens echoes this sentiment, stating that hope and optimism are the radical choices in a world that often tries to polarize and monetize fear.
"When you engage with art, music, and storytelling, you realize the world's complexities and the human spirit's resilience. You see beyond the lies of polarization and recognize the contradictions and uncertainties that make us human. That's what theatre, music, and art are for - to provide a space for these complexities," Stephens explains.
Ironically, Stephens, now one of the world's most performed living playwrights, didn't aspire to write for the West End when he was younger. He credits his inspiration to songwriters, as his school environment didn't encourage literary pursuits. It was only later that he discovered his passion for theatre, realizing the kinetic connection between songwriting and the live, unpredictable nature of theatre.
Stephens is now hosting the inaugural Playwrights Workshop as part of the Auckland Theatre Company's masterclass project, continuing his mission to inspire and bring people together through the power of storytelling.
