Dr David Overend

I joined RHUL in 2016 after five years at the University of the West of Scotland. I have also taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the University of Glasgow. As a director, I have worked for theatres including the Arches, the Traverse and the National Theatre of Great Britain.

My research interests are interdisciplinary but focus on contemporary theatre and performance. My current research explores themes of mobility in live art and touring theatre. This work is a development of my earlier research on site-specific performance and audience participation; emerging from my practice-as-research thesis, which aimed to develop a ‘relational theatre practice’ in response to the Arches arts centre in Glasgow. Outputs include articles, performances, and a Study Room Guide for the Live Art Development Agency. I am currently working on my first monograph and directing The Majority by Rob Drummond for the National Theatre.

At RHUL, I teach Theatre and Performance Making (1st year), Theatre Directing (2nd year) and Making Performance (MA). I would welcome PhD enquiries relating to my research interests.

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy