futures Remixed

futures Remixed is a podcast where MGCfutures Bursary recipients sit down at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End to discuss back-to-back (b2b) the future of theatre.Introduced by award-winning director and MGCfutures founder Michael Grandage, Universal Stories is our inaugural series that questions theatre's ability to bridge the gap between the personal and universal. In each episode, two artists at the forefront of contemporary theatre discuss specific topics including Belonging, Love, Power, Freedom, and Hope, investigating how theatre can affect cultural, social and political change. Episodes will be released bi-weekly until the 15th April 2026.Guests include Chisara Agor, Waleed Akhtar, Ruth D’Silva, Rebecca Frecknall, Somebody Jones, Isley Lynn, Rachel Mars, Rebecca Prentice, David Ralf, Mark Smith, and Clarissa Widya.futures Remixed is produced by MGCfutures:  Executive Producer Blayne George Creative Producer Daniel Gonzalez Associate Producer Kashish Gaba Audio Producer Alex Lynch Original music by Josh Anio Grigg

In the current context of global conflicts, social inequalities and political division, Award-Winning Directors Michael Grandage and Rebecca Frecknall discuss why it is crucial for contemporary theatre to address universal stories, to connect the individual with bigger themes that unite us all as human beings. futures Remixed is produced by MGCfutures:  Executive Producer Blayne George Creative Producer Daniel Gonzalez Associate Producer Kashish Gaba Audio Producer Alex Lynch Original music by Josh Anio Grigg

Immigrants bring new stories to the countries in which they settle. This makes culture, everyday life and the arts more diverse. In this episode, Olivier Award Winner Waleed Akhtar and New Earth Theatre Producer Clarissa Widya explore what theatre’s role is in articulating multiculturalism to foster acceptance and create a sense of belonging for generations to come. futures Remixed is produced by MGCfutures:  Executive Producer Blayne George Creative Producer Daniel Gonzalez Associate Producer Kashish Gaba Audio Producer Alex Lynch Original music by Josh Anio Grigg

Theatre has portrayed love as a source of unity as well as conflict. In this episode, Multidisciplinary Artist Chisara Agor and Award-Winning Writer Isley Lynn discuss how theatre can frame love as a force of human identity to tackle prejudice and build community.futures Remixed is produced by MGCfutures:  Executive Producer Blayne George Creative Producer Daniel Gonzalez Associate Producer Kashish Gaba Audio Producer Alex Lynch Original music by Josh Anio Grigg

Power has been abused by people, countries and empires, but it's also been employed to foster progress, freedom and tolerance. In this episode, Writer Ruth D'Silva and Theatre Deli Executive Director David Ralf explore how theatre can exercise power and offer a nuanced understanding of power dynamics in contemporary life.futures Remixed is produced by MGCfutures:  Executive Producer Blayne George Creative Producer Daniel Gonzalez Associate Producer Kashish Gaba Audio Producer Alex Lynch Original music by Josh Anio Grigg

The world currently feels like a very challenging place, which can affect people’s mental health worldwide. In this episode, Performance Maker Rachel Mars discusses with Choreographer and Director Mark Smith whether theatre’s role is to entertain and provide escapism from the ills of the world, or rather engage with them and help us understand our position in the world.  futures Remixed is produced by MGCfutures:  Executive Producer Blayne George Creative Producer Daniel Gonzalez Associate Producer Kashish Gaba Audio Producer Alex Lynch Original music by Josh Anio Grigg