Play On: The OUDS Podcast

05/03/2022

NEW EPISODE: DEVISING PLAYS DISCUSSION

In this episode you will hear from three separate productions, all putting on plays created by devising. They discuss what devising a piece in Oxford is like for each of them, giving insights into their processes and experiences.

You will hear from:

Emma Hawkins - co-founder of the Moonstruck Collective, devising the project 'Spinning Yarns'

Grace Olusola of Dawn Productions, writing and directing 'Vessel'

Gabe Winsor of Buzzcut Productions, directing 'Sockpuppet'.

Sockpuppet will be showing at the Burton Taylor Studio in Week 8 (8th-12th March, 7:30pm). Tickets available: https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/sockpuppet

Listen to the podcast here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DhzSUKK59AxcMdEG53LTD?si=fbb363789b5948c7

18/02/2022

PRODUCTION INSIGHT: 'PERSONA'

As part of our Hilary Term 2022 series, we are focusing on the live, on the ground productions being created in Oxford right now to bring you personalised insights into the play making process here at Oxford University.

In this episode, Gillian talks to the director Lucas Quinn, producer Rachel Dastgir and actor Agnes Halladay, of the upcoming play Persona at the Burton Taylor Studio. An adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's 1966 film of the same name, Persona deals with surprisingly modern themes of how identity is formed in our society. Listen to the evocative voice of Lucas Quinn, the directorial force behind this dark play, explain why he chose to adapt this film for the stage, and his insights into the effect the production wants to have on its audience.

You can follow what is happening with the team behind Persona at .productions on Instagram.

The show is on next week at the Burton Taylor Studio (22nd-26th Feb, 7:30pm). Saturday has already sold out, so grab your tickets now!
https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/persona

Listen to the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3egrAwTebLNz8bevjV318T?si=myn3-G5ESpqDUFsuZe2u5w

18/02/2022

NEW AUDIO DRAMA - ‘Mid-Train Rumination’

‘Mid-Train Rumination’ is a brand new audio drama written by Samanwita Sen, performed by Gillian Konko, and directed by Max Morgan.

In this monologue, we hear the reflections of a young woman sitting in a train, stalled at the station.

Listen here! https://open.spotify.com/episode/1CvUUWoIoaiwEhleiMJq6m?si=ixeV6Bb-TJmkOHvUGMHg3A

06/02/2022

PRODUCTION INSIGHT: 'WEDNESDAY: DEATH MEDITATION'

Welcome to our Hilary Term 2022 series! We have decided to focus on the live, on the ground productions being created in Oxford right now to bring you personalised insights into the play making process here at Oxford University.

In this episode you will hear from writer and director Shaw Worth of 'Wednesday: Death Meditation' and actress Rosie Owen discuss the play which uses a yoga class to meditate on spirituality and mortality.

Listen to the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2D7oAlrlUyGC8MRcwQQ4iA?si=55b1a6bb2e974f27

The show is on next week at the Burton Taylor Studio (8th-12th Feb, 7:30pm), so grab your tickets now!
https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/wednesday-death-meditation

06/02/2022

PRODUCTION INSIGHT: 'SHE FELT FEAR'

Welcome to our Hilary Term 2022 series! We have decided to focus on the live, on the ground productions being created in Oxford right now to bring you personalised insights into the play making process here at Oxford University.

This episode follows Love Song Productions new original-writing play 'She Felt Fear.' You will hear from writer/director Kirsty Miles and lead actress Juliette Imbert discuss the themes and rehearsal process leading up to the show. The show employs poetry and integrated music, sampled throughout the episode, to offer an elegant reflection on relationships and personal ambition.

Listen to the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/128H2MNj8yDH3h1ba62NCZ?si=d6708e4967fd4288

The show is on next week at the Burton Taylor Studio (8th-12th Feb, 9:30pm), so grab your tickets now!
https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/she-felt-fear

31/01/2022

SHOW SNEAK PEAK!

Check out our Instagram and (new!) YouTube channel for a glimpse into the final stretch of rehearsals for The Importance of Being Nihilists. Tune in for some top quality banter between Gillian Konko and the cast.

The show is on at the BT from TOMORROW! (1st Feb). Friday and Saturday are sold out so if you haven't got tickets yet, hurry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6WyyidyxcU

25/01/2022

EPISODE 15: NEW AUDIO DRAMA - 'It Was Really Nothing'

'It Was Really Nothing' is an audio drama written by Anna Stephen, performed by Poddy Wilson, and produced by Ciana Russo.

It's a ten-minute monologue spoken by a female teacher in the heat and dust of California, 1979, who must keep her wayward student back after class to talk to him about his habit of writing in the margins of his school books. It's an intense, curious exploration of attraction despite age difference.

Listen here!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hqMa4gJfddvRPrnvA2pGw?si=0927b4b0589a4d0e

07/01/2022

EPISODE 14: DAWN PRODUCTIONS

Introducing the guests for Episode 14: Dawn Productions. Our host Gillian interviews Grace and Ciana about their upcoming performance, focusing around body image and inspired by real experiences. Give it a listen by clicking the link below:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sGObvdMA4IVSs0E5K0wu1?si=6aMEpG97S-W7PwuC6VFZiQ

Dawn Instagram:
Dawn Facebook: Dawn Productions

Grace Olusola
She/her
Grace is a 3rd year History and English student at St Catz

Favourite podcast?
What the Musical (for musical nerds and newbies✨)

Favourite play?
Right now it’s ‘The Aliens’ - I saw Cops and Robbers’ wonderful production of it at the BT in 4th week and it hasn’t quite left me!

Favourite spot in Oxford?
I really love Mesopotamia walk, which is a lovely path right by Catz, but the Islamic centre has to come first. God.

Best OUDS memory?
Recording the audio for Paper Moon’s ‘Cut, Paste, Enter.’, which I had the pleasure of writing, and hearing the binaural sound element for the first time! So mad to see it come to life!

Ciana Russo

Ciana is a first year studying English at Christ Church

Favourite play?
Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams

Favourite spot in Oxford?
The Ultimate Picture Palace in Cowley

22/11/2021

Introducing our new host: Gillian Konko!
She/her

Gillian is a first year HisPol student at Univ

Favourite podcast?
Any of the National Theatre podcasts, Not True But Useful, or Pod Save the World

Favourite play?
Like I could ever pick a favorite—this answer changes every day! Most recently I’ve really enjoyed Hymn by Lo**ta Chakrabarti and Paradise by Kae Tempest

Favourite spot in Oxford?
The little nooks in the RadCam or Magdalen Bridge

Best OUDS memory?
Getting to be a part of Cut, Paste, Enter—coolest team ever

22/11/2021

Introducing the guests for two new episodes, both out now on Spotify! Give them both a listen by clicking the links below:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XIKyz46e0D5uh586PeNng?si=puqQF3aTTKi3KNuP8-D1HQ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/54C9RiP2eEUIFEPcHN1SSh?si=MOfT4sM0R1W6Mm-_RXtBZg

Episode 12: ‘The Comedy of Errors’ and Adapting Shakespeare
Peter Sutton
He/him
https://www.facebook.com/JesusCollegeShakespeareProject
Peter is the Alumni Engagement Manager at Jesus (read English at St Hugh's - 2010-2013)

Favourite spot in Oxford?
Christ Church Meadow

Favourite play?
Twelfth Night

Best OUDS memory?
Rehearsing 'The Importance of Being Earnest' last Trinity term in the gardens of Trinity College!

Episode 13: New Work and TAFF – 00 Productions
Harvey Dovelldovell ox
Harvey is a 4thyear Chemistry student at New College

Favourite podcast?
A hot dog is a sandwich

Favourite play?
The Lehman Trilogy

Favourite spot in Oxford?
Leon/Pret (all those lunch time show meetings)

Best OUDS memory?
Being the first show back after the pandemic

22/11/2021

Episode 11: New Writing and the BME Oxford Experience
In this episode, our editor Sheila is coming on as a host to interview Sam Spencer, OUDS’ New Writing Officer.
Give it a listen by clicking the link below:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/30GqFHB7mTzoH6YudOnSRQ?si=taYEIgzwRc6GSaJJbZsC8w

Sheila Atuona
She/Her

Sheila is in her second year of MSt Creative Writing at Sommerville College.

Favourite podcast?
Literary Friction and the marvellous PlayOn podcast.


Favourite play?
The Master and Margarita (Dir. Simon McBurney)

Best OUDS memory?
Meeting the team to discuss my writing.

Sam Spencer
He/him
'Strikes Back Productions' on Facebook and Youtube.
[email protected]
Sam is a 3rd year studying English at Mansfield.

Favourite podcast?
My Dad Wrote a P***o

Favourite play?
Barber Shop Chronicles.

Favourite spot in Oxford?
The Islamic Studies Centre is THE most beautiful building to look at.


Best OUDS meeting?
Freshers Fair this year. It was the first time I met Jade Yarrow (Treasurer) in person. The fair tent was sweaty and loud and humid and disgusting, we were there for three hours, and we both went delirious. Best first meeting ever.

07/11/2021

EPISODE 10: ‘Persephone’ – Talk with the Director and the Producer
Emma Hawkins and Ana Pagu join our host Noah this week to discuss the upcoming student production ‘Persephone’

Listen now by clicking the link below:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RXXQQBhF6Z4EaJB8ueAWv?si=rdiXEU0NR4-6O9JVcrliNw


Emma Hawkins
she/her

Emma is a 3rd year student studying Fine Art at Teddy Hall

Favourite play?
The Inheritance or Hunchback of Notre Dame

Favourite spot in Oxford?
I recently discovered Half Moon so that's my current top pick, but I'm also fond of Mad Hatter and port meadow

Best OUDS memory?
It's too hard to pick a favourite but I love seeing everything come together on opening nights!

Ana Pagu
She/her
Ana is a doing a DPhil in Earth Sciences at Linacre College

Favourite spot in Oxford?
Queen's Lane, the bit with All Souls visible in the distance

Best OUDS memory?
The final applause at the end of my first large-scale show (Chicago, MT 2019), which made all the time and stress that I put into it as producer so worth it!

02/11/2021

***HOST CALL OUT***
Play On: The OUDS Podcast are looking for a host!
You do not need any experience for this role, just enthusiasm for the podcast!
If you wish to apply, email [email protected] by Saturday 6th November at 10am with any relevant experience and why you would like the role. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

02/11/2021

EPISODE 9: AN ACTOR’S LIFE AFTER OXFORD DRAMA AND BEING A PUBLICIST

This week’s episode is out now. Our host Kirst is joined by Gregor Roach who discusses acting life in New York after Oxford Drama, as well Declan Foster who talks about acting and musicals alongside Beth Ranasinghe who gives her insight on being a publicist. Give it a listen by clicking the link below:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ORwzd3chYBGFkV4z7M6om?si=gH3RBcCTTn6vKVUFKa1ASQ


INTRODUCING THE GUESTS:

Dec Foster
he/him
Dec is a 2nd Year Classics & English student at Regent's Park College

Favourite play?
I love Arthur Miller's, 'The Crucible'. It's such a profound and powerful work, and there's some amazing lines. I'd recommend the 2014 Old Vic production online, featuring Richard Armstrong as John Proctor!


Favourite spot in Oxford?
Uni Parks! Especially at the moment, with all the autumnal colours and coats. It's so nice walking there to get away from the hectic Oxford life!


Best OUDS memory?
Finding out I was going to be in, 'The Last Five Years' ! It's a pleasure to be working alongside such a talented cast and crew.


Beth Ranasinghe
she/her

Beth is a 2ndyear studying Philosophy and Theology at Regent’s Park College.

Favourite podcast?
Call Her Daddy

Favourite spot in Oxford?
The queue for Solomon's.

Best OUDS memory?
Re-blocking the entire play the night before the show. (We love you Half-Baked.)


Gregor Roach
instagram: .roach
twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/deballify/
he/him

Gregor studied History at Jesus and left Oxford this year.

Favourite podcast?
Off Menu

Favourite play?
People, Places & Things by Duncan Macmillan

Favourite spot in Oxford?
The church tower balcony opposite the Rad Cam, it has an incredible view over the city

Best OUDS memory?
Directing Frost/Nixon in the BT as the last live theatre pre-Covid with a fantastic cast and crew

27/10/2021

INTRODUCING THE GUESTS
EPISODE 3: CUPPERS COMPETITION AND DIRECTING IN OUDS

Episode out now, click the link below to give it a listen!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aBEwFZIM6x8cHxGPtr0or?si=U2JEtFeLSE2R02Q1slx2Hw

James Newbery
He/him
newbery02
James is asecond year English student at Teddy Hall.

Favourite play?
It changes - I’ve been thinking a lot about Mike Bartlett’s Albion recently.

Favourite spot in Oxford?
Christchurch Meadow

Best OUDS memory?
I think it’s already been said, but the Britney Spears dance routines we did to warm up for Black Lives Playlist Track Two with the wonderful Sam Spencer and Grace Olusola.

Gabe Windsor
He/him

I’m a second year studying English at St Catherine’s College. I’m an Outreach Rep for OUDS and have just set up Buzzcut Productions to make theatre and film with.

Favourite spot in Oxford?
The Alternative Tuck Shop represents half my caloric intake.

Best OUDS memory?
Rehearsing Blink online for two months over lockdown and then all meeting each other for the first time to film it in a week in an abandoned club was a crazy and lovely experience.


Alfie Dry
he/him


Alfie is a second year studying Human Sciences at St John’s.
Favourite podcast?
Dear Joan and Jericha

Favourite spot in Oxford?
Wherever is currently on their happy hour

Best OUDS memory?
Participating in cuppers!

17/10/2021

New episode is out now!
Episode 2: Meet our Drama Officer and Learn about Oxford Filmmaking
With guests Dorothy McDowell and Emma Earnshaw!
Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Y7lU8htwqBLfJrmyWpipp?si=jhdPzoRhQaqilJNzzlL8_Q

17/10/2021

INTRODUCING THE GUESTS
EPISODE 2: MEET OUR DRAMA OFFICER AND LEARN ABOUT OXFORD FILMMAKING

Drama Officer: Dorothy McDowell(she/her)
Dorothy is a 2021 graduate who studied English at Keble.

Favourite podcast?
'You're Dead To Me'

Favourite play?
'Observe The Sons of Ulster Marching Toward The Somme'

Favourite spot in Oxford?
The Duke Humfrey Library

Best OUDS memory?
Either acting in my first show ('Waiting For Gary', in 2019) or directing my first show ('Measure for Measure', in 2020)

—————————————————

OUFF: Emma Earnshaw (she/her)
ox
Emma is a second year studying History of Art at Worcester


Favourite play?
Macbeth — it's what first got me interested in theatre and film over ten years ago!

Best OUDS memory?
Cuppers

13/10/2021

We are looking for pieces of new writing (suitable for audio drama) to be performed and recorded for a special episode at the end of the series. This may include a selection of shorter scenes, monologues, or a longer feature script. We are open to any form of writing suitable for audio. This is a great opportunity to get your work produced and shared with the OUDS community and beyond.

Interested? Complete the google form: submit max. 10 pages of material (this may be full pieces or an extract from a longer work) along with some info about the writing that you would like to have produced for the podcast.

https://forms.gle/jeC1pxNmpuP5MKCx5

Deadline 5pm Sunday 17th October.

Good luck and happy writing

10/10/2021

New episode out now!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OeM1Ag9ZkM4CJRMCeo9E0?si=hu6zfhL6SvWYhREed1CncQ&dl_branch=1

10/10/2021

INTRODUCING THE GUESTS: EPISODE 1

Our first episode of the term is coming out tonight, and will feature two different segments. Georgie (President) and Grace (Welfare) will provide an Introduction to OUDS, while Fresher Reps Alex and Emily will answer questions that freshers might have about getting started with Oxford drama and theatre!

10/10/2021

MEET THE TEAM

The OUDS podcast is back, with our first episode coming out this evening. Our guests this term include various OUDS committee members, talking to our host Kirsty about the drama scene at Oxford and how to get involved!

More information about the first episode will follow shortly, but first - here’s the team!

01/10/2021

***OPPORTUNITY FOR PRODUCTION COMPANIES***

Play On: The OUDS Podcast is excited to reboot this term with a new focus on making OUDS as accessible as possible. We would like to centre our episodes around advice on getting involved in OUDS, opportunities on offer and inspiring students in drama.

Sign up for the chance to be on Play On: The OUDS podcast!
We will assign you to a specific topic area e.g. acting, directing etc and will either interview you or offer prompts/questions for you to discuss between each other. We ask that 1/2 representatives make themselves available for a 15-20 minute recording in Oxford (if you are uncomfortable with in person recordings there will be online options so please do not worry). This is a great opportunity to market your production company and any upcoming productions, including opportunities for students. We will assign production companies on a first come first served basis and will get started ASAP as the episodes will be released this term.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with [email protected].

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSed_FiGiJaR0-nrfe-Ndo8JTN3Tp2dcN8sbW2WUzYSsB0GMPw/viewform?usp=sf_link

25/09/2021

FINAL CALL! Get your applications in before it’s too late!! 🤩🤩

***CREW CALL***

Play On: The OUDS Podcast are looking to expand their team, making this podcast as helpful and engaging to students in Oxford as possible.

The roles are as follows:
- Co-Producer
- Assistant Producer
- Marketing Manager
- Editor

You do not need any experience for these roles, just the desire to create some exciting content!
If you wish to apply, email [email protected] by 26th September at 12pm (this Sunday) with any relevant experience and why you would like the role. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

(Image Credit: Ben Beechener)

22/09/2021

***CREW CALL***

Play On: The OUDS Podcast are looking to expand their team, making this podcast as helpful and engaging to students in Oxford as possible.

The roles are as follows:
- Co-Producer
- Assistant Producer
- Marketing Manager
- Editor

You do not need any experience for these roles, just the desire to create some exciting content!
If you wish to apply, email [email protected] by 26th September at 12pm (this Sunday) with any relevant experience and why you would like the role. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

(Image Credit: Ben Beechener)