Dr Paula Sledzinska is an interdisciplinary researcher working in the field of Irish and Scottish Studies, and currently a Visiting Research Fellow at IASH. Her research centres on contemporary Scottish literature and theatre with a particular focus on the relationship between cultural representation, national storytelling, and democratic life. Her award-winning work has explored the repertoire of the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), illuminating ways in which text and music construct identity on stage, challenging traditional narratives of the nation, amplifying voices previously marginalised from the national landscape, and contributing to the shaping of Scotland as an increasingly inclusive and equitable nation.
During my Fellowship at IASH, I am exploring the character and consequences of NTS’s ‘radicalism’. My project entitled ‘Playing Radical: National Theatre of Scotland and Independence’ investigates the company’s creative response to the Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014. It focuses on David Greig’s and David MacLennan’s The Great Yes, No, Don’t Know, Five Minute Theatre Show (2014) – a kaleidoscope of micro-performances ‘providing hundreds of answers to one very important question – a democratic dramatic response to the theme of ‘Independence.’ I am currently particularly interested in the potential of contemporary literary and dramatic work to inspire and enact socio-political change, contributing to conflict deescalation and peacebuilding efforts through dialogue and engagement.
As part of my visit at IASH, I am organising an Unconference, ‘NTS at 20 – Culture, Democracy, and the Stateless Nation.’ The event, supported by the British Academy ECRN Development Fund, will take place on Friday 23rd October, during the International Storytelling Festival at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Marking the NTS’s Twentieth Anniversary, it will bring together participants from across academia, theatre, literature, politics, as well as cultural and community practice to explore the role of theatre and literary culture in shaping and protecting Scotland’s democratic life. At a time when regressive nationalisms fuel conflict and division in Europe and beyond, the Unconference will encourage participants to consider what forms of national storytelling, representation, and cultural participation are most needed and how Scotland’s avowedly innovative and ‘radical’ national theatre may help to foster resistance against bigotry and xenophobia. The Unconference will adopt a deliberately open and conversational format seeking to dissolve traditional hierarchies and academic–practitioner divides, encouraging collective reflection, debate, and opportunities for cross-party and cross-community collaboration. The event’s programme will include an opening ‘lightning’ panel, a public conversation between Nicola Sturgeon and Joyce McMillan, roundtable discussions, and a follow-up knowledge exchange session at the Scottish Parliament.
If you would like to get involved, do not hesitate to contact Paula via e-mail or the event expression of interest form. Further details will be announced shortly.