The University of Manchester Innovation Factory (UoMIF) is proud to announce Tiny Human Dramas as one of its newest spinout companies, representing a rather unique example of innovation emerging from the arts and its first spinout theatre company. While most Innovation Factory spinouts originate in life sciences or science and engineering, Tiny Human Dramas shows how anthropological research can be translated into creative practice with powerful public impact.
Founded by anthropologists Dr Meghan Rose Donnelly and Dr Alexandra D’Onofrio together with theatre producer Laura Sophie Helbig, Tiny Human Dramas transforms anthropological research into live performance. The company pairs researchers with theatre makers to create original short plays in just 24 hours, bringing urgent global issues and lived experiences to the stage in ways that are both powerful and accessible.
Following acclaimed performances at Manchester’s Contact Theatre, Tiny Human Dramas recently presented work at the Camden Fringe Festival in London. The production invited audiences to step into the lives of others through three short plays created entirely from field research, asking important questions about identity, belonging and what it means to be human today.
Dr Meghan Rose Donnelly, co-founder of Tiny Human Dramas, said: “Anthropologists spend years listening to stories and learning from communities across the world. With Tiny Human Dramas we share that knowledge in a way that is immediate, embodied and creative. Becoming a spinout allows us to expand this work and reach new audiences who might not otherwise encounter anthropology.”
“Taking our work to the Camden Fringe was an extraordinary experience. Performing in such a vibrant festival context helped us connect with new audiences who were curious, open and engaged. It showed us how powerful theatre can be as a way of sparking conversation about global issues and how research can resonate far beyond academic spaces.”
Dr Catherine Headley, Chief Executive Officer of the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tiny Human Dramas as a humanities-led enterprise. It is a striking example of how research across all academic disciplines can be translated into innovative practice with real impact.”
“Our role at the Innovation Factory is to help innovators take their ideas and give them life. Every spinout represents the vision of a thought leader in Manchester, and we are proud to support a company like Tiny Human Dramas, which demonstrates the breadth and creativity of research taking place at the University.”
As the University’s Technology Transfer Office, the Innovation Factory works to identify and protect intellectual property, nurture entrepreneurial talent and create pathways for research to make a difference beyond academia. Whether through the creation of spinout companies like Tiny Human Dramas or through technology licensing, UoMIF ensures that the University’s world-class research is developed into innovations that generate economic, social and cultural impact locally, nationally and globally.
To find out more and contact the team, visit www.tinyhumandramas.com
