'The Play Play' Symposium
Published: 17 September 2024
Researchers, educators, play workers and theatre professionals gathered at the University of Glasgow’s ARC to explore 'The Play Play' project. An output of the research 'Understanding childhood and play in the post-digital age', 'The Play Play' project brought findings on children's play to life through an original theatre production.
'The Play Play' Symposium
On 9th September, researchers, educators, play workers and theatre professionals gathered at the University of Glasgow’s ARC to explore The Play Play project. An output of the research Understanding childhood and play in the post-digital age, The Play Play project brought findings on children's play to life through an original theatre production. Funded by the ESRC IAA and the University of Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund, The Play Play was created in partnership with Hopscotch Theatre Company and performed for P5 students across Glasgow.
The symposium opened with Dr Elizabeth Nelson, who introduced the project and its origins. Research conducted across 2 schools and 1 aftercare centre in Glasgow examined how children aged 6-13 engage with play in an increasingly tech-driven world. Dr Nelson highlighted how these findings and evolving play theories shaped the project.
Attendees were then shown a video compilation created by the children themselves, offering a glimpse into how they not only consume but also produce their own play experiences. This showcased the project’s aim to provide young people a platform to share their voices, games, and creativity.
Next, Hopscotch Theatre Company outlined their mission to create “bold, rebellious, and joyous theatre” that empowers children and promotes an inclusive, creative community for Scotland’s youth.
Dr Nelson and Playwright David Gerow followed with a presentation on the play’s content and the collaborative process behind its development. They discussed the recurring perception of play being ‘at risk’ across generations and emphasised that agency and creativity are key to defining play.
Director Calum Moore added insights into the participatory and collaborative nature of the project’s development.
The session wrapped up with a forward-looking discussion on expanding participation, incorporating generational representation, and exploring funding opportunities to sustain future initiatives. After a break for lunch there was further discussion in two smaller groups: one group’s discussion centred on digital technologies in schools, while the other examined collaborative processes between arts and research.
The event ended with an extended invitation to continue the conversation with attendees keen to stay in touch and involved. The feedback from the symposium has been enthusiasm and support for The Play Play project. Many participants noted the enjoyment they experienced in having the opportunity to take time to explore these issues with an interdisciplinary group and suggested more such initiatives are needed across education.
Contributors: Dr Elizabeth Nelson, David Gerow, Professor Mia Perry, Dr Zoe Strachan, Michael Malt-Cullen.
First published: 17 September 2024
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