Drama & Theater
Vice-Chancellor's Talks: Mei Mac
Join Olivier Award nominated actor and Theatre-maker Mei Mac in a discussion about representation, activism, decolonisation and community building in Theatre and Screen industries.
Storytelling. Humans have told stories for as long as we have existed; as soon as we can perceive of ourselves. It is the very thing that connects us and can be the very thing that divides us. Its power, whether overt or subconscious, can have huge cultural impact and sway. So why will you do it? What will you do with your artistry- with this privilege and responsibility? Theatre, film and television mediums are a playground for the practice of empathy. It has the unique ability to reflect society back at us. To evoke emotions, provoke, compel, capture humanity, ask questions, educate and entertain. To point at something or say something. So… what will you say and how will you say it?
Mei Mac is an Olivier Award Nominated ‘Best Actor’ – the first BESEA actor ever nominated in this category. She has worked as an actor, theatre maker and activist since 2011 and has worked with The Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre and Young Vic, as well as for Netflix, BBC, Disney+ and Comedy Central.
She is best known for originating the part of ‘Mei Kusakabe’ in Studio Ghibli’s MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO at the Barbican Theatre and has just finished playing ‘Lucy’ in Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s feminist retelling of DRACULA. She will next be seen in THE WITCHER and Doctor Who spin off THE WAR BETWEEN THE LAND AND THE SEA.
She is also co-founder of the mentorship scheme, Rising Waves.
This talk will take place in the Duke Street Riverside Production Theatre and will be followed by a Q&A with questions and debate encouraged. All attendees are welcome to stay after the event for refreshments and nibbles, providing an opportunity for further discussion and debate in the Duke Street Riverside foyer.
The talk will be live-streamed via our YouTube channel. To join the stream during the talk or watch back after the event, simply follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/l3dPl0kMaS4?feature=share
