Artistic Policy

Women & Theatre’s artistic policy has matured over 25 years, but remains firmly rooted in the original remit of creating accessible new work relevant to the experiences of women and diverse communities. The Company is particularly interested in topical subjects that affect the quality of life of those who are not usually listened to, the stories of those who are under-represented in mainstream theatre.

We explore health in its broadest context promoting social inclusion and community development. Our plays are performed in community settings; at professional training events & conferences, in schools & colleges and at theatres & arts centres.

The Company is not afraid to tackle core issues about the human condition and encourage reflection and change. Reactive to cultural and societal changes and focussing upon the human stories behind different subject matter, we produce work buzzing with the energy of people’s experience.

The Company has pioneered a collaborative process for devising scripts from in depth research. This is a two way process which is both respectful and participatory, resulting in a shared sense of ownership. We don’t ‘listen in’ but work in partnership with communities and share stories. The work evolves from the ongoing interaction from audience to artist to audience, enhanced by facilitated discussions at most performances.

The Company sustains a repertoire of plays that are available for one off bookings. Each year we also develop new work – both through accepting reactive new commissions and instigating and securing funding for new projects of our own conception. The Company creates bespoke projects, appropriately tailoring our approaches to research, devising, casting & performing, for each specific project. As a result our work ranges in format from performances with facilitated discussions to participatory workshops to intensive 4-day programmes.

We work with artists who are skilled and display social awareness and personal integrity. We nurture relationships with performers over time and actively recruit and train new workers who will grow with us. We are aware of the complex situation of artists who are also parents in continuing to work and develop their skills. We therefore aim to work in a flexible, family friendly way. We prioritise and promote the work of regional artists. In our writing and casting we are committed to representing diversity.

Women & Theatre’s diverse work is hallmarked by its distinctive style and the quality of the art that we produce. Theatre is the heart of the work. The Company is unique in its field because of the standard of research, writing, performing and production. Our work is both funny and moving because it connects with people’s experience. Audiences regularly report having laughed and cried during a single production. We harness the impact and magic of live theatre by incorporating song, original music, film, physical theatre, improvisation and high production values. By dramatizing subjects at the cutting edge of people’s consciousness we create challenging uplifting theatre that people want to see.