In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, the power of hope stands out as a beacon of radicalism. Acclaimed British playwright Simon Stephens, known for his award-winning work, believes that sharing experiences with others, despite potential disagreements, is an act of defiance in today's society.
Stephens argues that sitting in a room with strangers, turning off our phones, and engaging in a shared story is an increasingly rare and radical act. He finds inspiration in the optimism it brings, even if it may sound 'hopelessly romantic' to some.
Despite the challenges faced by the theatre industry, especially post-Covid, Stephens emphasizes the need for perseverance. He draws a parallel to the post-World War II era, where devastated playhouses gave way to a creative revolution by playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Bertolt Brecht. Stephens hopes that 2026 could bring a similar optimism.
The playwright finds wisdom in the words of actor Peter Ustinov, who defined an optimist as someone who understands the world's sadness and misery but still faces it bravely. Stephens believes that optimism and hope are the radical choices in a world that often tries to polarize and monetize fear.
"When you engage with art, music, or theatre, you realize the world's complexities and the human spirit's determination to keep going. You see through the lie of polarization and embrace the contradictions and uncertainties that make us human. That's what theatre offers, and that's why it's so important," Stephens explains.
Ironically, Stephens, now one of the world's most performed living playwrights, didn't aspire to write for the West End as a teenager. He found inspiration in songwriters, as his school environment discouraged literary pursuits. It was only later that he discovered the kinetic connection between songwriting and theatre, leading him to pursue a career in playwriting.
Stephens is now hosting the inaugural Playwrights Workshop as part of the Auckland Theatre Company's masterclass project, sharing his unique perspective and passion for the power of storytelling.
