Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of the Why Care? podcast! In this episode, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with the incredibly talented Tegan Summer, a distinguished writer, producer, and lyricist whose work has graced Broadway and the West End. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about the transformative power of theatre and the importance of diversity and representation in the arts. Highlights: Tegan's Journey: From his roots in the East End of London to becoming a prominent figure in the theatrical world, Tegan shares his unique path and the experiences that shaped his career. The Magic of Theatre: Discover how sneaking into West End rehearsals as a child ignited Tegan's passion for theatre and how this magic continues to drive his work today. Representation Matters: Tegan discusses the challenges he faced as a Black writer and producer in a predominantly white industry and the importance of creating space for diverse voices. The Impact of Music: Learn about the power of songs in theatre, especially the "I Want" song, and how they can inspire and empower audiences. Behind the Curtain: Get a glimpse into Tegan's research process for his latest project, "Mozart: Her Story," a musical about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's overlooked sister, Nan Mozart. Upcoming Projects: Exciting details about Tegan's future works, including shows on James Dean, Malcolm X, and Harvey Milk, and his collaboration with Tony Award-winning director Susan Stroman. Key Takeaways Theatre as an equaliser and its role in fostering empathy and understanding across diverse audiences. The importance of representation in the arts and how Tegan's work is breaking barriers and setting new standards. The intersection of creativity and social change, and how theatre can be a powerful tool for activism and inclusion. Guest Bio Tegan Summer is a celebrated writer, producer, and lyricist with a rich history in theatre. His work spans various genres and mediums, from Broadway to the West End, and he is known for his dedication to bringing underrepresented stories to the stage. Tegan's upcoming projects continue to push the boundaries of traditional theatre, highlighting his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Key Links Tegan Summer Theatricals: Tegan Summer Theatricals Website Tegan Summer Instagram: @tegansummer Buy tickets to Mozart: Her Story at the Lyric theatre, London on Monday 18th November Nadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | Instagram Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices