The University of Warwick is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its theatre and performance studies department with a reunion event on June 28. This milestone is better than ever. The timing couldn’t be better – it coincides exactly with the university’s 50th anniversary, its opening in 1975. The event aims to reconnect former students and allow them to share their experiences and stories from their time at the university.
One of the more well-known alumni from this department is Ruth Jones. She is an acclaimed actor, writer and producer best known for her award-winning work on the smash hit series “Gavin and Stacey”. Jones attended the University of Warwick, where she sharpened her distinct focus in the university’s theatre and performance studies program. The department justifiably is celebrating five decades of world-class excellence. Each reunion provides an opportunity for alumni such as Jones to look back on their paths and realize just how deeply their education has influenced their lives.
Assistant professor David Coates, who will help coordinate the reunion event, reiterated the importance of alumni, discussing their role in creating the university’s story. He stated, “Our alumni are an essential part of our story as well as our best advocates and inspiration for future generations of students.”
The reunion is not simply a nostalgic endeavor, but seeks to augment the university’s theatre studies archive. Coates described the existing archive as over-polished and “dead” in feel and execution. He said he hoped to bring out “more colour and character” in the collection. In an innovative move, he’s turning to his former students for assistance. He encourages them to submit photos, programs, module notes, flyers, and other memorabilia that best capture their experience and represent the amazing evolution of student life over the last 50 years.
“We’re appealing for photos, programmes, module notes, flyers and any other memorabilia material that can help capture the spirit of student life in the department over our five decades,” – Professor David Coates
As preparations for the reunion continue, excitement builds among former students who look forward to reconnecting with classmates and faculty. The event will honor the works that the department of theatre and performance studies has produced. It will celebrate the enduring international friendships and academic collaborations made at the University of Warwick.
