National Drama's 30th Birthday Conference

National Drama is the largest and longest existing specialist association for Drama teachers and practitioners, and this day was held to celebrate its creation and the history of the work achieved over the last 30 years. With an exciting and varied programme which included founding members and supporters (including Patrice Baldwin, Professor Andy Kempe and Dr Geoff Readman), it looked to be an excellent day fusing theory, practice, and academic perspectives.

Andrew Loretto (Director at Hat Fair) introduced his notion of creating stories based on a setting; much of which has been successful in international locations. Even though the conference hotel setting did not necessarily provide the most interesting stimulus, this was a vision that could be transferred to richer spaces.

Four international speakers provided a wider global perspective on Drama and Theatre education; of these Dr George Nelson discussed brain research and Aristotle, and Dr Konstantina Kalogirou explored the relationships between language and drama.

In the workshop with Kerry Frampton (Splendid Productions), we practically explored their expressive physical style to develop an episodic piece of performance. The room was full of gasps and laughter as we lured the audience into comfort, then hit them hard and fast with a political or socially relevant topic; influenced by Brecht and epic techniques. As I've previously experienced with Frampton, there is no space to hide from the topics we chose to explore – Brexit, Grenfell, and Greta Thunberg were favourites of the day. The Jacob Rees–Mogg comments in response to the Grenfell deaths brought a disturbed silence to the room; a perfectly painful use of the performance style of Splendid, which beautifully mixes humour with the dificult questions that we all need to ask ourselves.

The panel discussion was full of passion, recognising the continuing and increasing plight of Drama in schools, and how as specialists we continue to fight economic cuts and the reduction in arts provision.

The keynote by Professor John Godber OBE and Jane Thornton was inspiring and heartfelt; encouraging us not to give up, reminding us how crucial Drama specialists are to young people. Their generosity of spirit, and offers to become patrons, was humbling and invigorating.

National Drama revealed their new manifesto to make change, started a fire in our bellies and encouraged the family that we are.