National Theatre Director Issues Stark Warning on Conservative Theatre-Making
Indhu Rubasingham, the artistic director of the National Theatre, has delivered a powerful critique of conservative approaches in theatre, arguing that such practices will ultimately "kill" the UK industry. Speaking at the Jennie Lee lecture in London, she emphasized that while playing safe might help venues balance their books in the short term, it jeopardizes the long-term vitality and innovation of theatre.
Call for Courage in Arts Investment
Rubasingham addressed an audience of 200 arts industry representatives, urging a renewed national commitment to backing creative risk and new writing. "Investing in the arts when money is sparse requires courage," she stated. "Courage to act, because we recognise what lies ahead if we do not." She warned that a conservative stance in style, content, and process could lead to the demise of theatre, betraying the legacy of figures like Jennie Lee, whose white paper on the arts marked a pivotal moment in cultural policy.
Alarming Decline in New Writing
Highlighting research from the National Theatre's new work department, Rubasingham revealed troubling trends. Between 2014 and 2024, there has been a 70% decline in theatres accepting open-to-all submissions throughout the year. Additional declines include:
- 76% in new writing festivals
- 44% in playwriting courses
- 44% in new work on stages outside London
- 30% in new work in London
Rubasingham expressed deep concern over the reduction in diverse voices on stages across the country, describing these trends as "canaries in the coalmine" that signal broader dangers to democracy, free speech, and imagination.
Theatre as a Space for Complexity and Nuance
In a world increasingly divided by disinformation and populist politics, Rubasingham argued that theatre remains one of the few places where people can gather to confront complexity and embrace nuance. "If sameness becomes the norm, it nudges us only towards what is predictable and profitable," she said. She worries that society is losing its capacity for understanding, presence, and tolerance of discomfort, making theatre's role more critical than ever.
Context of Post-Pandemic Challenges
Rubasingham's comments come amid broader warnings about a sharp decline in new work productions since the pandemic. According to the British Theatre Consortium, there was a 30% drop in new productions compared to 2019, despite rising demand. In 2023, new work accounted for 41.9% of theatre attendances, up from 29.9% in 2019. Playwright James Graham echoed these concerns, stating, "We have a storytelling crisis in our nation. We're struggling to imagine the next chapter of our national life."
The Jennie Lee lecture series, organized by Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, serves as a platform for discussing the future of the arts. Rubasingham's speech underscores the urgent need for bold action to sustain and innovate the UK's theatre landscape, ensuring it remains a vibrant and influential cultural force.
