What has theatre contributed to New Zealand culture?

Professor David O'Donnell examines the contribution of the theatre to the cultural capital of Aotearoa New Zealand.

June 2021

Throughout human history, the theatre has maintained its magnetic attraction as a dynamic, accessible mode of storytelling. The digitalisation of society has not diluted the power of live performance, it has given it new relevance.

In this lecture, Professor David O’Donnell examines the contribution of the theatre to the cultural capital of Aotearoa New Zealand.

At its best, theatre is community-forming, uniting audiences in a shared experience of contemplating the crucial issues of the time. Most importantly, the theatre teaches us empathy, at a period in time where we need a sense of compassionate responsiveness more than ever before.

This is Professor O'Donnell’s inaugural lecture as Professor of Theatre at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Our public lecture series gives you the opportunity to engage with the latest thinking on the world’s major issues.

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Professors Sarah Leggott, David O'Donnell, and Grant Guilford in the Hunter Building.
From left to right: Professor Sarah Leggott, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor David O'Donnell, School of English, Film, Theatre, Media Studies, and Art History, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford.