Crossover occurs in our personal and professional lives perhaps more often than we care to think. It can be exciting, invigorating, messy and unsettling or downright nerve wracking, and we’re tackling the theme head on this month with our two speakers.

Delving into the world of Auckland theatre, we’re focusing on the crossover in Artistic Directorship that occurred at Silo Theatre in April this year. Having been steered into its current position through the tireless effort of Shane Bosher over a thirteen-year period, Silo is now under the guiding hands of Sophie Roberts.

Shane was initially employed by Silo back in 2001 and charged with rebuilding and re-branding the company, which was struggling or what people in the industry termed “the dark ages”. Over the next decade or so, he transformed Silo into one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed theatre companies. Stepping down in December 2013, Sophie officially took over the creative force of the company in 2014. The few months in-between saw the two working to make the crossover as seamless as possible. Firmly grabbing the theatre reins, Sophie is now leading company on a new journey as she implements a new focus and a new direction.

Sharing some similarities in training and focus, Shane and Sophie have both been through Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, and are highly regarded actors, producers, directors and playwrights. They’ve also been said to share similar concerns about the state of New Zealand theatre and the need for theatre companies, like Silo, to pour energy and resources into the development of Auckland theatre-makers. That said, Shane and Sophie offer different energies, priorities, passions and skills, which will form part of our conversation this month.

Join us for a conversation that will be crossing over to the audience too, so be ready to share your own questions, ideas and insights. Tickets go live at 11am on Tuesday 28th October.