A Conversation with Es Devlin on Life, Language and Light

Presented by the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professorship of Contemporary Theatre at St Catherine’s College

From Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour to the Olympic Games and Super Bowl halftime show, Es Devlin has reimagined how the world experiences live performance.

Her large-scale sculptures and stage designs have illuminated venues from Tate Modern and Trafalgar Square to the V&A and Lincoln Center, and her Tony Award-winning work for The Lehman Trilogy has shaped modern theatre design. She was also the first woman to design the UK Pavilion at Expo 2021.

In this special conversation, Es reflects on the ideas, language and collaborations behind her most ambitious projects, and how art and design can change how we see the world.

Event Details

Friday, 21st November 2025 – 5pm
Riverside Lecture Theatre, St Catherine’s College

Free entry – everyone welcome. Booking via Eventbrite is highly recommended, or simply join us on the day

If you have any access requirements, please include these when booking. For queries, contact Gabriel at gabriel.zimmerer@humanities.ox.ac.uk.

Also Coming Up: Get-Together with Es Devlin for students

Are you an Oxford student curious about what it really means to collaborate?

Join Es Devlin in exploring creativity across disciplines, from science to storytelling, from architecture to art. You don’t need to study theatre or have creative experience; all students are welcome.

Workshop Details

Free entry, with tea and biscuits provided!

The first session is expected to begin on Friday, 21st November.

To register your interest or ask questions, please email producer Gabriel at gabriel.zimmerer@humanities.ox.ac.uk.

You are also more than welcome to get in touch with any questions or to let us know about any access accommodations!

Image courtesy of Amer Ghazzal

Date

21 November, 2025

Time

5pm

Venue

Riverside Lecture Theatre, St Catherine's College

Price

Free - Booking via Eventbrite recommended