The Cameron Lecture
The Cameron Lecture, supported by the University of Glasgow the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Dr John Tiffany, celebrates the life and legacy of Dr Alasdair Cameron. Dr Cameron was a renowned and much-admired senior lecturer in the University's Department of Theatre Studies as well as a champion of Scottish theatre.
Now, 30 years after his untimely death, his former student, the Theatre Director John Tiffany, has created this event to celebrate his life-changing tutor who inspired him to follow a career in the theatre. A core philosophy of The Cameron Lecture is access and inclusivity - this is why the event is free with an audience drawn from students, staff and alumni of both the University and Conservatoire along with members of the public.
For any Cameron Lecture series queries, contact the Alumni team via alumni@glasgow.ac.uk.
Dr Alasdair Cameron
Dr Alasdair Cameron was born on the 2nd March 1953 and was the eldest of three children.
He attended Kilmarnock Academy and gained high grades. Initially, he went on to Stirling University, before transferring to the University of Glasgow in 1972. The report from the Dean at Stirling, said that Alasdair had not "done himself justice" at Stirling, but that he might "flourish and do good work" at another institution.
At Glasgow, Alasdair did just that, winning the 1st prize in his drama class in 1972-3. He earned a distinction in Latin Literature in the next year, and graduated with an MA in Drama and English Literature in 1976.
Alasdair went on to a PhD at Warwick University researching the repertory theatre movement in Britain between 1907 and 1919, and then took an MA in Arts Administration at City University, London. This was followed by a stint in management at London's Cockpit Theatre.
When Alasdair returned to Glasgow in 1984, it was to take up a teaching position in the Theatre Studies department. He was later promoted to a Senior Lecturer position.
Alasdair Cameron became a leading voice and champion for Scottish theatre, celebrating what had gone before, and inspiring others to create anew. Many of his students went on to jobs in theatre, including those who started their own companies.
In June 1994, Alasdair died after a short illness. He was 41. Within a year of his death, those he had influenced came together to perform 'Tartan Trifles', a celebration of Scottish theatre which aimed to raise money for The Alasdair Cameron Scholarship which exists to support the creation of a piece of performance by a recent graduate or senior student of Theatre Studies at the University of Glasgow.
Dr John Tiffany, OBE
Dr John Tiffany was Associate Director of the National Theatre of Scotland from its inception until 2013 and enjoys a stellar career in theatre, winning armfuls of Olivier Awards and Tonys for his productions. His credits include the internationally successful productions Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Glass Menagerie and the musical Once.
He created Black Watch for the National Theatre of Scotland, widely regarded as one of the seminal theatre works of the 21st century. John was awarded an honorary doctorate from University of Glasgow in 2017 for his contribution to theatre and in 2018 he was awarded an OBE for services to drama. John continues to play an active role in the life of the University and his generosity and vision have been instrumental in conceiving and delivering this special lecture.
The Cameron Lecture with Allan Cumming
