Robert Rae

Since becoming Artistic Director in 1996 Robert has directed, devised and/or written over twenty professional shows and ten large-scale productions with non-actors. His preferred way of working places the people whose story he is telling at the heart of the creative process. His work reflects the diversity of Scotland and regulalry collaborates with organisations who represent the excluded. During his time at TWS he has championed the employment of professional disabled actors.

He has been invited to work with theatre companies Nicaragua, India, Poland and Japan, and was honoured that his first feature film TROUBLE SLEEPING was selected as the opening film for Amnesty India's International Festival marking the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the Declaration of Human Rights in Delhi.

Prior to TWS Robert was freelance theatre director - working with small and middle scale professional touring as well as large-scale Community Plays. He began his professional career with 7:84 Theatre Company (England) producing nine shows for them. His professional training is as an actor, director, teacher and drama-therapist. Amongst hIs many influences would be Augusto Boal, John McGrath, Paulo Friere, Eduard Said and Frederic Jameson - and is today inspired by the energy and passion of the World Social Forums.