CREATe Public Lecture: Spencer Weber Waller on ‘Power and Greed: Monopolies, Mergers, and Cartels on the American Stage’
We are delighted to host another instalment in our series of public lectures, delivered by Spencer Weber Waller. Spencer Weber Waller is Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he is the John Paul Stevens Chair in Competition Law and Director of the Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies.
School of Law, Social Sciences Hub
Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
Time: 17:00 - 19:00
Venue: Advanced Research Centre, Room 237B
Category: Public lectures, Academic events, Student events
Speaker: Professor Spencer Weber Waller
Professor Spencer Weber Waller is a prominent voice in the antitrust field, and will be known to many legal and economic scholars. But in addition to his undeniable antitrust expertise, he is also at home in discussions about the creative industries, with his latest book delving into the historical power dynamics of the theatre industry and the American Stage. We are delighted therefore to invite you to his CREATe Public Lecture.
Spencer Weber Waller's new book Power and Greed: Monopolies, Mergers, and Cartels on the American Stage will be published on October 15th by Methuen Drama. Power and Greed is a general interest history of live entertainment in the United States from the time of vaudeville in the 19th century, commercial theatre in the 20th century, and arena concerts in the 21st century (Live Nation/Ticketmaster). It explains how live entertainment in the U.S. has been dominated by monopolies and cartels for most of its existence and that the resulting abuse of power has harmed the art that we see on stage, the artists, as well as the consumers in higher prices and lower quality performances.
We will meet at 5 pm for light refreshments and a chat, followed by a book signing with Professor Waller. The lecture will begin at 6 pm.