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This is a podcast for the curious. Strap yourself in for genuine dialogues with people who think deeply and are ready to tackle the big questions, such as broadcaster Terry O'Reilly, fantasy author Guy Gavriel Kay, and journalist Sally Armstrong.

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Jan 25, 2019

Uncertainty and doubt are central to the human experience. Yet in the 'post-truth' era, when you can curate your own experience of the world, our democracy seems under threat from such relativism. And making things black-and-white could be just as bad. Theatre and, ironically, the "theatre of the real" (stage performances based on actual events) could be a way for us to grapple with the unknown.

Joining Ben is Jenn Stephenson, theatre writer and Professor at the Dan School of Drama & Music.

About the Guest

Jenn Stephenson is a Professor at the Dan School of Drama and Music at Queen's University, where her principal areas of research interest are contemporary Canadian drama, participation, metatheatricality, "theatre of the real," autobiographical performance, and performativity in fictional worlds-within. She studied at the University of Western Ontario, University of Victoria and University of Toronto before taking on her current role at Queen's University in Kingston.

As Associate Dean (Studies) for Queen's, Dr. Stephenson's portfolio includes oversight of the undergraduate operations in the Faculty of Arts and Science, as well as the oversight and implementation of undergraduate academic regulations. The Associate Dean also reviews student appeals or academic integrity cases, and manages complex academic cases involving individual students and faculty members. Dr. Stephenson participates in all committees of the Faculty relative to students or programs and liaise with the division of Student Affairs, Student Wellness Services, the Human Rights Office and the Office of the University Ombudsman. The Associate Dean’s portfolio also includes Admission and Recruitment, Orientation, and the implementation of the Senate Policy on Academic Consideration for Students in Extenuating Circumstances.

For more about Jenn, check out her blog, Upsurges of the Real.