The questions posed by the alternative theatre movement and the larger counterculture from which it emerged have been thrown into ever starker contrast by the pandemic and its consequences. A key task going forward is to connect the unfinished histories of the movement and the models of work and working practice that emerged from them with the Now and inform the emergence of New Alternatives in theatre as we eventually begin to emerge from the immediate crisis to envision what lies beyond it: work that confronts the poverty, debt, devastation of the social and cultural landscape, the housing crisis, the continuing hostile environment experienced by migrants and outsiders and the massive impact of the pandemic on women’s equality and on young people, the Black Lives Matter protests and the climate crisis.
Susan Croft, October 2020
New Alternatives: some current activist organisations
Dedicated to social justice, Black Lives Black Words International Project commissions, develops and produces bold and unapologetic artistic responses to current social and political issues.
Culture Declares Emergency
Arts & Culture declare a Climate & Ecological Emergency is a growing international movement of individuals and organisations in the cultural sector declaring climate and ecological emergency. This means telling the truth, taking action and seeking justice.
Freelancers Make Theatre Work
Campaigning in Britain to advocate for and raise awareness of the vital role of freelancers in the theatre industry, in the light of the devastating impact of the pandemic on lives and livelihoods.