It's easy to blame the difficulties theatre now faces on the longest shutdown of stages since the mid-seventeenth century. But these problems began some time before a global pandemic. Decades of free market ideas, ten years of austerity, and the slow encroachment of private space have all worked together to create an industry struggling to define its purpose. The virus was a symptom, not the cause.

In Towards A Civic Theatre, director Dan Hutton argues that a theatre which isn't civic in outlook is not worth fighting for. Full of ideas and provocations from a range of theatre practitioners, and drawing on examples from inside and outside of the performing arts, it makes the case for a new kind of theatre fit for purpose in an already tumultuous twenty-first century. It is a toolkit, a guide, an offer to audiences and a call to arms for artistic leaders of tomorrow.

About the Author

Dan Hutton is a theatre director, dramaturg, writer and educator. He is a founding member of touring company Barrel Organ and has worked in theatres and arts venues across the country. Time Out described him as "one of our most promising young directors".

Reviews

'Passionately argued, intelligently engaged and extremely well timed. An excellently written and stimulating account of a very pressing issue.' - Aleks Sierz

'At this moment, I can't think of a more appropriate book for people who are engaged with, interested in and involved with theatre. As we gain confidence to return to shared space and these ways of hearing stories and ideas, Towards a Civic Theatre offers strong provocations and practical suggestions for us to consider where we might go next. It's critical and hopeful. Honest and ambitious. Complex and clear. I'd buy and send a copy to many people if I could; those who like to see work as well as make it, those engaged with running national and high-profile organisations, and those in charge of smaller but no less significant buildings and initiatives. I really think that there is something for all of these people in these pages.' - Dr Andy Smith, Lecturer in Theatre Practice, University of Manchester

Book Information
ISBN 9781913630942
Author Dan Hutton
Format Paperback
Page Count 178
Imprint Salamander Street Limited
Publisher Salamander Street Limited