Intelligence Squared

Richard Sennett is a sociologist and the Centennial Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics, whose work has given particular focus to areas such as how we co-exist in urban spaces and our places of employment. But his new book looks at the role of performance in society. The Performer explores how the spectacle of the arts can be mirrored in roles found elsewhere in life, such as in politics and wider everyday business, where we’re often being encouraged to try and make ourselves the main attraction. Joining Sennett in conversation for this episode is someone who is no stranger to the merits of a good performance, Philip Colins. He was chief speechwriter for Tony Blair and has been an influential writer and columnist at publications ranging from The Times to Prospect magazine and The Evening Standard. Collins also heads up Writing Company, The Draft. If you'd like to get access to all of our longer form interviews and members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find