In this special end-of-year episode of Podcast 13, hosts Ian Garrett and Vanesa Kelly reflect on an extraordinary year by borrowing a familiar seasonal structure: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The conversation becomes both a retrospective and a roadmap, tracing the revival of Venue 13, the ideas shaping its present, and the…

In this episode, Vanesa and Ian focus on sustainable theatre practice after Vanesa’s visit to the National Theatre event on the 14th November in London, where the Theatre Green Book took centre stage in an incredible event. They unpack the discussions, the international perspectives, and the sense of collective responsibility that shaped the day.

Ian and Vanesa continue their UAE journey after World Stage Design 2025, reflecting on Ian’s NYU Abu Dhabi talk and exploring the university’s performance spaces. They also visit TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi’s vast immersive environment, sparking ideas about ecological and hybrid design, and share this week’s CCTA reading, Earth Duet by E.M. Lewis.

Ian and Vanesa take you inside World Stage Design 2025, sharing seasoned insight and first-time impressions from this global gathering of scenographers and artists. They reflect on collaborations, inspirations from the Scenofest Research Symposium, and how WSD’s creative energy connects to their ongoing work at Venue 13.