Equity’s Class Network have responded with support to an open letter published in The Stage that expresses “profound concern at the 100% cut to the National Theatre’s (NT’s) Primary Theatre touring programme.”
The letter highlights that “these choices are deeply damaging to working-class communities, disappearing transformative experiences for young people in their formative years, who might be inspired to become artists themselves.” It goes on to call on the NT to reinstate Primary Theatre touring across England, expand the touring programme and secure its long-term future.
Commenting, the Class Network have said: "Equity Class Network are committed to creating more opportunities for working class people, creating a fairer, more representative entertainment industry for all, and as such stands in complete solidarity and support of this open letter. A diverse group in age and experience within the industry, we know at first hand the importance of the arts for ALL.
“The National Theatre Primary Touring programme created transformative opportunities for young people nationwide, some of whom possibly never had the privilege to witness live theatre before. These experiences not only have enduring, intrinsic value, but inspire young people to dream of a career in the arts.
“NT’s production values were married with a touring model that reached out and deep into communities, arriving at their doorstep with stunning live performance, saying to children, teachers and support workers, we are your National Theatre too.
“In uncertain times, it is the tired narrative of austerity to punish those most in need while claiming there was no other choice. In a precarious climate, we must also protect the jobs and opportunities that the programme offered to creatives, actors and theatre workers.
“The National Theatre must urgently reinstate this work, ringfencing the budgets to protect these opportunities for a generation. We warmly welcome conversation and collaboration with incoming Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham, the Board and a range of funders to make this happen."
Class Network
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