Activism in the 80s: A Bespoke Production For Ardent Theatre
Activism in the 80s takes you on a riveting journey through the political and cultural forces that defined the 1980s - and continue to influence our lives today.
Andrew Muir - Creative Director Ardent Theatre Company
“Incredible work... way beyond what we initially imagined in terms of style, content and excellence in production.”
A Brand New Show Built From Scratch
The 1980s were a crucible of social and political change.
From the shadow of the Cold War to the rise of Thatcherism and Reaganomics, the decade pulsed with a restless energy that fueled activism across the globe.
Ardent Theatre Company, recognising the 40th anniversary of its own formation within this dynamic era, sought to explore these potent forces and their lasting impact.
Their vision: a compelling podcast series, "Ardent Activism in the 80s," designed to resonate with contemporary audiences and ignite conversations about the echoes of the past in our present.
Creative Kin was commissioned to bring this vision to life.
The challenge was twofold: to create a high-quality, engaging podcast that not only delved into the historical context of 80s activism but also served to raise the profile of Ardent Theatre Company itself, connecting them with new listeners and solidifying their position as a thought-provoking and relevant artistic force.
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The Aims Of The Ardent Theatre Podcast
Explore the legacy of 80s activism: The podcast needed to go beyond simple historical recounting, exploring the motivations, strategies, and successes (and failures) of various activist movements, from anti-nuclear protests and the fight against AIDS to grassroots community organizing and the struggle for social justice.2 The aim was to uncover the human stories behind the headlines, making the past feel immediate and relevant.
Raise awareness of the Ardent Theatre Company: The podcast was conceived as a key tool in Ardent's outreach strategy. It needed to effectively communicate the company's values, its history, and its ongoing commitment to engaging with socially relevant themes. The podcast had to be more than just a historical document; it needed to be a compelling piece of content that would draw listeners to Ardent's other work.
Reach new audiences: Ardent recognized the potential of the podcast format to connect with a wider demographic, particularly younger audiences who might not typically engage with traditional theatre. The podcast needed to be accessible, engaging, and shareable, attracting listeners who were interested in history, social issues, and compelling storytelling.
Deliver evergreen content: The goal was to create a podcast that would remain relevant and engaging for years to come, not just a fleeting commemoration of the anniversary. This required careful planning in terms of topic selection, interviewees, and overall narrative arc.
Mark Sands - Creative Director, Ardent Theatre Company
“So pleased with both the podcasts and the video versions. You’ve done an amazing job and the quality is superb.”
Meeting Ardent Theatre’s Objectives
Creative Kin provided a comprehensive suite of services to achieve Ardent Theatre’s goals for its podcast:
Concept Development & Research: Working closely with the Ardent Theatre team, Creative Kin developed the podcast concept, outlining the key themes, identifying potential interviewees, and conducting in-depth research to ensure historical accuracy and contextual depth.
Production & Recording: Creative Kin managed the entire production process, from recording and editing interviews to sourcing archival audio and music to creating a polished and professional final product. Attention was paid to sound design, pacing, and overall production value to ensure a high-quality listening experience.
Project Management: Creative Kin provided ongoing project management, ensuring that the podcast was delivered on time and within budget. Regular communication and collaboration with the Ardent team were essential throughout the process.
Activism in the 80s stands as a testament to the power of audio storytelling to connect with audiences, explore important social issues, and raise the profile of arts organisations.
Creative Kin's expertise in podcast production played a crucial role in bringing Ardent Theatre Company's vision to fruition, creating a lasting legacy of their 40th anniversary.
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