The Royal Court Theatre with A Number. Photographer: Ivan Kyncl
The international reputation of British theatre, especially over the last half-century, has depended heavily on new writing. A healthy theatre needs a strong classic tradition. But that quickly becomes stale unless accompanied by the exploration of current social issues and behaviour-patterns. Thanks to the existence of a number of theatres devoted specifically to new writing, led by London's Royal Court, Britain can proudly claim to have a large number of living dramatists. They inevitably work in other media as well. But their existence means that they use the theatre as a means of taking the moral temperature of the society. And their survival has ensured British theatre's global renown.
Michael Billington, The Guardian
Royal Court Theatre with
A Number. Photographer: Ivan Kyncl.
How We Work What We Do Drama and Dance Publications and Resources Drama Genres Performance in Profile 2008 Education Drama Events Edinburgh Showcase Literature - New Writing
What work does the British Council do in this area?
New writing from the UK has proved hugely successful across the globe in the last decade, largely due to the pioneering residency work of the
Royal Court. Many British writers are actually more well-known overseas than at home.
Our work in this field ranges from programming plays by new writers in countries across the globe to, increasingly, developing large networks, new writing residencies and long-term projects. The Royal Court is a key partner – we have new writing residencies with them in Russia, Cuba, India and Brazil. We also have strong partnerships with the
Royal National Theatre and the
Traverse in Glasgow amongst others. Our work includes helping translations and rights being sold-on, raising the profile of new writing and generally assisting the development of this creative industry.
National Theatre Studio in Argentina. Photographer: Philippe Lemoine.
Find out about
Channels, a current 3-year project creating opportunities for British and Argentine playwrights to work together and raise awareness and share their interest in new productions.
Paines Plough with Tiny Dynamite. Photographer: Manuel Harlan
This exciting programme of UK New Writing in Ljubljana featured Paines Plough and Red Room as well as panel discussions and rehearsed readings.
All The World's A Stage 2003. Photographer: Mitchell Carr Heughan.
A biennial tradition at the Toronto's Harbourfront Centre since 1984,
All The World's A Stage brings together the best international theatre in a 3-week city-wide festival.
