Fresh Ink: Keynote Speech with Robert Hastie

Each year at Fresh Ink, we invite a leading voice from the theatre industry to reflect on the state of new writing, the stories we tell and where the future might take us.

Following previous keynote speakers David Byrne and Ola Animashawun, this year's keynote comes from Robert Hastie, deputy artistic director of the National Theatre and one of the UK's most influential theatre-makers.

Across a career spanning directing, artistic leadership and championing new work, Robert has helped bring some of the country's most ambitious productions to life. From Standing at the Sky's Edge and Operation Mincemeat to his work at Sheffield Theatres, the Donmar Warehouse and now the National Theatre, he has consistently championed bold storytelling and the artists behind it.

Drawing on his experience developing new work, leading organisations and navigating a rapidly changing cultural landscape, Robert will share his thoughts on the opportunities, challenges and possibilities facing writers and theatre-makers today.

Whether you're an emerging playwright, an established artist, or simply curious about where theatre goes next, this is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the people helping shape its future.

About Robert Hastie

Robert is currently the deputy artistic director at the National Theatre, where Middle Child are a resident company, and was previously artistic director of Sheffield Theatres and associate director at the Donmar Warehouse.

His CV is filled with new writing hits that are already viewed as contemporary classics, from Olivier award-winning musicals Standing On The Sky’s Edge and Operation Mincemeat, to Abi Morgan’s Splendour and ROCK, as part of Chris Bush’s ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORS trilogy.

In this keynote speech, Robert will use his experience directing plays of all shapes and sizes to ponder the future of new writing.

Free (Booking Required)

A limited number of tickets will be reserved to book on the day from our festival box office, by the venue.

For more information about the venue and wider festival, including a visitor FAQ, see the Fresh Ink website.