All aboard the Hijinx express!.
A short blog to bring you news from our recent trip to London's bustling arts scene for the Independent Theatre Council's (ITC) 50th Anniversary AGM and Conference. Hijinx was proudly represented by Interim CEO Eloise, South Academy Actor Geraint, and Senior Producer Ellis, who was also re-elected to the ITC Board during the conference. Stepping into Soho Theatre, we were immediately enveloped in its buzzing, rebellious energy—a fitting backdrop for ITC’s golden jubilee. The space, a hub for bold and boundary-pushing theatre, set the perfect tone for a day of passionate discussion, reflection, and celebration. From the get-go, the room was alive with chatter about fair work, funding challenges, and the future of independent theatre, all underscored by the undeniable sense of camaraderie that comes from being part of this incredible sector.
A Timely Reminder from Shami Chakrabarti.
Shami had some pretty powerful things to say about why the arts have to speak up, especially in the face of people like Trump. Basically, she argued that his rise to power is proof that the arts aren’t just a nice extra—they’re essential for challenging authority and giving a voice to those who might otherwise be ignored. She pointed out that the arts have always been a space to question power and hold up a mirror to society, and right now, that’s more important than ever. It’s not just about making great theatre, film, or music; it’s about using those platforms to resist authoritarianism and fight for democracy. And she’s not the only one thinking this way. We’ve seen artists take real action—like Lin-Manuel Miranda pulling Hamilton from the Kennedy Center after Trump stacked its board with his people. And then there’s the 400+ artists pushing back against the new rules on arts funding in the U.S., which basically block support for work that promotes diversity and inclusion. Shami’s point? The arts have always been political. And when people in power try to shut them down, that’s when we need to be the loudest.
Read The Stage's article: "Trump is proof the arts need to speak up"
Homeward bound with full minds and hearts.
The conference featured a series of thought-provoking discussions and workshops, addressing critical topics such as fair work practices, sustainable funding models, and the evolving landscape of theatre in the digital age. These sessions provided invaluable insights and fostered meaningful dialogues among attendees, reinforcing the collective commitment to a vibrant and inclusive theatre community.​ Geraint shared his reflections during the train journey home, capturing the essence of the experience. He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fellow artists and industry leaders, emphasising the importance of listening to each other. Full video and transcript is below.​ Hijinx extends heartfelt gratitude to the ITC and Soho Theatre for hosting such a brilliant event. Their support and dedication to the arts have been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic theatre landscape and as we reflect on the conference's success, we join the broader theatre community in celebrating ITC's 50th anniversary. May the next fifty years be filled with continued innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence. Diolch yn fawr.
Video and Transcript.
I’ve learned not to rush things and to take your time with things.