Who Owns Opinion?

I’ve been asked by an ex-colleague to write an article...… I guess it’s more of an opinion piece. I’m happy to do it, although, as these things go, you don’t get paid for the time it takes. But I suppose after 30+ years working in applied theatre and theatre-making in the genre of TYA, I hope to have something to say, so why not.

I already write this simple blog and review for Everything Theatre, so how hard can it be to give an opinion? But then I did that thing you do - a scan through some books and articles I have, and a bit of research online to give context. The latter was a bit of a mistake. Have you ever scrolled through a string of theatre blogs or arts commentary and thought, “Wait… didn’t I just read this?”

Which made me think: in a world increasingly curated by algorithms, the opinions we see - and eventually share ourselves, if we’re not careful - are less like wild, individual sparks of inspiration and more like reflections bouncing back, like in some weird hall of mirrors. We read someone’s view, nod along and soon enough, before we know it, we are repeating it ourselves. But then is it still our opinion? Who really owns opinion?

Theatre has always thrived on friction - the clash of ideas, aesthetics, and lived experiences. But in digital spaces, that friction is often smoothed over by design. Platforms prioritise engagement over challenge. So, when I read blog posts praising the same production or debating a juicy topic with eerily similar language, I begin to wonder: are we thinking alike because we are, or is it because the web has nudged us into ideological proximity? Should we ditch the web and run screaming to a darkened room instead?

As theatre-makers, critics and thinkers, we’re supposed to interrogate, provoke, disrupt - not just reinforce. But when our online lives are filtered through feeds that favour affinity, our sense of originality can become quietly compromised. We find ourselves part of a collective voice, but one subtly shaped by what the algorithm thinks we - our readers, and those debating similar topics - want to hear.

I guess that doesn’t mean our opinions aren’t valid. But it does beg the question: how often do we sit with a conflicting view long enough to see where it takes us? How often do we seek out a perspective that makes us uncomfortable? In rehearsal rooms, I always welcome contradiction. We build character or narrative through that tension. Yet online, we often retreat into consensus. Is that because it’s safer, quicker and more instantly validating? So, who does own an opinion? Maybe it’s still us when we create a blog, column, review, article or post – but only if we’re willing to notice the invisible hands shaping what we see, read and think. And if we can find the courage to step outside the familiar noise, we might rediscover that glorious, messy and necessary thing: a truly original voice.

So, back to the opinion piece… maybe I need to ditch the research and delve into the head a bit more, and see what’s worth exploring there, hiding among the cobwebs of the grey matter within. Maybe that approach will bring something fresh and new to the table to read - simply because it’s based on experiences and knowledge grown from ‘doing’ and ‘making’.

So, if you’re interested in a conversation about shaping your work, thinking or strategy, and reckon a fresh perspective could help, I’d be genuinely excited to chat. I bring years of experience in theatre-making, mentoring plus conjuring strategy and programmes through collaborative practices - and I’m always up for that conversation, whatever form it may take. Just be in touch via this blog, email or the usual channels.

Until next time

Chris