Not specifically to bitch and moan about making theatre in a society that remains, by and large, monumentally unimpressed, though there's certainly plenty of that. Not specifically to swap survival tactics and how-to lore, though the bulk of scheduled meeting time is devoted to just such topics. Mainly, for the purpose of being in this room together. A RAT Conference, if it's anything, is a kind of revival meeting, a chance for companies and artists isolated by distance and marginality to see each other's faces, to shake hands, to tell stories. If you have to ask, you'll never know.
Nothing is formalized, but some things are clearer.
He goes on to suggest a trio of leaders elected annually by whoever's in the room at the time. Then basically admits he's being a devil's advocate even to bring up the idea. We agree to let things stand as they are, with nothing defined, nothing official, no one in charge. Palpable relief all around. We go on to discuss co-productions, several of which have already been happening.