Josh Edelman

Josh Edelman is a Reader in Drama and Contemporary Performance at the Manchester School of Theatre, Manchester Metropolitan University. With a PhD in Theatre from Trinity College, Dublin, he has established himself as a leading scholar in performance studies, particularly focusing on the intersections of performance, ritual, and religion in the modern West, as well as the relationships between politics, policy, and theatremaking in contemporary Europe.

His academic journey includes:

• AB in Study of Religion from Harvard University
• MPhil in Theology and the Arts from University of St Andrews
• PhD in Theatre from Trinity College, Dublin

Edelman's research primarily explores the complex relationships between performance, ritual, and religion in the modern West, with particular attention to how religious practices manifest in public spaces and contemporary performance contexts. He also investigates the intersections of politics, policy, and theatremaking in contemporary Europe, examining how theatrical institutions function within broader cultural and political frameworks. His work extends to contemporary Irish performance, experiments in audiencing, and new writing, reflecting a deep engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of theatre and performance.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on sacred space, religious performance, and the political dimensions of theatre. Key themes include the occupation of sacred spaces as protest, the impact of economic crises on theatre funding, ritual innovation during the pandemic, and the relationship between religious traditions and contemporary performance practices. His work often bridges academic theory with practical applications in theatre policy and cultural management.

Edelman has received recognition for his scholarly contributions through:

• Principal investigator on the AHRC-funded project 'The value of subsidised, commercial and amateur theatre and dance for Tyneside's audiences'
• Founding co-convenor of the Performance, Religion and Spirituality Working Group of the International Federation for Theatre Research
• Founding member of the Project on European Theatre Systems (STEP)

As an educator, Edelman teaches across all three years of MMU's Texts, Contexts and History strand in the drama program, supervises Theatre Practice and Advanced Theatre Practice students, and contributes to the first-year Practice and Performance unit. His professional background as a theatre director in New York, Texas, and Dublin for over a decade informs his teaching practice, providing students with valuable industry insights. He also maintains active community engagement as a volunteer coordinator at the Asylum Seeker Drop-In Centre at West London Synagogue and serves as an expert advisor on theatre policy to The Arts Council of Ireland.