This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In his inspirational talk, Alex Andreou talks about urban living, being excluded from society and the case of homelessness. He describes the rapid urbanization of our civilization, and how cities deliberately push away marginalized individuals and demonize them. Through an denunciation of 'defensive urban architecture', Alex makes a strong critic of our harsh, inhumane, troubled, dark and inequitable times.
Alex Andreou left a promising career - much to the chagrin of his mother - in law and market investigation, working for the competition authority to train as an actor at London's Poor School at the tender age of 38. Since then he has played, mostly, very unpleasant people on stage, including at the National Theatre, Bath Royal, Liverpool Playhouse, Southbank Centre, Royal Stratford East, Manchester Royal Exchange, Jermyn Street, Southwark Playhouse and The Ljubljana Arts Festival and many others, including regular work with the acclaimed Sturdy Beggars Theatre Company. Film credits include Legend of The Golden Fishcake and The Wolfman. Alex made his directing debut with Mamet's Boston Marriage at the Pacific Playhouse. He has taught Shakespeare and directed at The Poor School. With his "writing hat" on, he is a regular contributor to the New Statesman, writes for BBC Radio 4 and weekly for The Guardian newspaper. His first novel is due to be published in 2015. Alex experienced poverty and homelessness in his transition from a "sensible" profession to a career as an artist. He has been a keen poverty campaigner and political commentator since.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
