A big thank you to our presenters and delegates: see you next year!
Bodies and Socio-Histories, the fourth interdisciplinary postgraduate colloquium organised by the Sociology of Theatre and Performance Research Group (STPRG) based within the Department of Drama, took place at Goldsmiths, University of London on 19 and 20 February 2010. Following the directive of Professor Maria Shevtsova and organised entirely by and for postgraduates, the colloquium presented nineteen academic papers given by postgraduate research students who represented twelve different universities from the UK, Slovenia and Canada. An interdisciplinary emphasis characterised the colloquium programme, which placed Drama-based doctoral candidates at Goldsmiths alongside research students from such diverse fields as Sociology, English Literature, Politics and Fine Art. The calibre of papers presented at Bodies and Socio-Histories was notably high – enabled by a substantial response to the broadly circulated Call for Papers – and the scholarly rigour of the event continued to manifest itself in the panel and round table discussions which opened debate to the postgraduate and professional audience. Around sixty delegates attended the event as audience members, including students and faculty members from universities across the UK and abroad. This represents the highest turn-out yet for the STPRG’s yearly colloquia series. An even broader audience was attracted for the Friday evening Dance Double Bill presented in Studio 3 at Goldsmiths, which showcased the work of two practice-as-research PhD candidates within the Department of Drama. Initial feedback, offered immediately by presenters and delegates at the close of the colloquium, demonstrates an unreserved recognition of the success of the event, in terms of both its academic quality and the collegiate atmosphere that was cultivated over the course of the two days. The STPRG will build on the success of Bodies and Socio-Histories with a fifth postgraduate colloquium in February 2011.
Bodies and Socio-Histories Organising Committee:
Shanu Sadhwani, Arabella Stanger (Co-Chairs)
Philippa Burt, Scheherazaad Cooper
Sociology of Theatre and Performance Research Group:
Founding Director: Professor Maria Shevtsova
Student Division:
Philippa Burt, Scheherazaad Cooper, Rebecca McFadden, Richard J. Piatt, Anna Porubcansky, Shanu Sadhwani, Rachel Shapiro, Arabella Stanger
Feedback for Bodies and Socio-Histories
“A brilliant conference, clearly well conceived and put together. I think everyone there found it stimulating and worthwhile. An empowering experience.”
Bodies and Socio-Histories Presenter, PhD Fine Art Practice, University of Creative Arts
“The cross referencing of concepts across a range of subject areas and subsequent formal and informal discussion groups were informative and engaging. I am confident that concepts generated and ideas shared over the two days will prove invaluable in the development of my research.”
Bodies and Socio-Histories Presenter, PhD Department of Art and Design, Swansea Metropolitan University
“I had my brain tweaked in a way that I've missed at other academic colloquia. I don't think the colloquium could be improved upon. Everything from sending us a list of affordable accommodation to organizing a post-event email list has all been above and beyond expectation.”
Bodies and Socio-Histories Presenter, Department of Sociology Concordia University, Montreal
“The lectures were so varied and interesting, and the atmosphere so warm. It was a real pleasure to be part of it.”
Bodies and Socio-Histories Presenter, PhD English Department, Royal Holloway, University of London
“I'm so glad I attended. It was immensely rewarding and, as the first conference I've ever been to, immensely educational! I can't help feeling I was very lucky to go to such a beautifully organized colloquium for my first time.”
Bodies and Socio-Histories Delegate, PhD Candidate, University of Essex
“Thanks for a fantastic colloquium - I'm looking forward to next year already!”
Bodies and Socio-Histories Presenter, PhD School of Politics, Birkbeck, University of London
Bodies and Socio-Histories was made possible with support from the Graduate School and Department of Drama at Goldsmiths, University of London.
