Magnum Phoenix
About
Research Student (2020-2023)
Supervisor/s: Dr Tim White
Email: Magnum.Phoenix@warwick.ac.uk
Magnum began his PhD journey in October 2020 thanks to the blessing of Student Finance. He’d been considering a PhD for a while, and the timing of Miss Rona and lack of employment made 2020 the perfect year to undertake his studies. Magnum now works as a part-time online tutor, and Associate Lecturer in Professional Practice at the University of Bedfordshire. He has also written, directed, and staged a number of his own works over the past six years, as well as made numerous short experimental films. He is yet to summon the courage to send any of his creations to a festival or something.
Magnum is also a fierce advocate for LGBT representation and rights. He’s usually the LGBT society chairman, or a student-course-rep. He’s also a staunch republican (UK, NOT US), and socialist. He does not believe in hierarchies of artificial societies.
Research Interests
Magnum is using practice as research to create work about the potential of mechanical actors. This work delves into the sociology of humans, the theatre industry, and the likelihood of androids replacing actors on stage. Can audiences relate to an android? A being which has no ‘self’ other than the one we give it? What would it take for an audience to cry for an android? To laugh with them? Every aspect must be considered. Coronatime has devastated the theatre industry – would mechanical actors be able to save it should “Covid-20” happen?
Magnum has many other research interests, including horror and LGBT+ representation – two themes often prevalent in his work.
Education
BA Hons in Performing Arts - University of Bedfordshire
PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education - University of Bedfordshire
MA in Contemporary Performance Practices - Royal Holloway, university of London
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magnumphoenix/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggyPhoenix
Website: https://www.magnumphoenix.com