Theatre and the Amateur Turn: Future Ecologies

Abstract

The final chapter opens with an account of theatre companies that are struggling and closing. It sets this counter-narrative in the context of changing directions in amateur theatres, where amateur and professional theatres are finding new ways to collaborate and engage with the creative economy. The chapter argues that hierarchical divisions between the different sectors belong squarely in the past, a legacy of twentieth century divisions of labour, cultural values and social attitudes. It charts some of the ways in which amateur theatre is responding to twenty-first century challenges, and concludes by assessing its current and potential contribution to the wider cultural ecology.