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For the first time, this unique collection of essays brings the stories of New Theatre branches around Australia, filling a vital space in Australian cultural history.
Radical left-wing theatre history tales, told by theatre practitioners, historians, academics and political ratbags, reveal a rich vein of Australia's hidden cultural heritage. New Theatre advocated for freedom and democracy, aiming to activate audiences politically, and create authentic, non-commercial Australian drama by telling the hidden stories about the real lives of working-class people.
Editor: Lisa Milner
Paperback Published 18 October 2022 632 pages
"The New Theatre played an important role in the struggle to provide socially engaged theatre and to legitimise radical thought, satire and dissent on the Australian stage. This comprehensive analysis covers the colourful ways they brought theatre to working-class audiences, the important role of women and the methods employed by government, ASIO and others to suppress dissent. After 90 frequently controversial years, it seems that New Theatre is respectable at last!" Rosane McNamara, President Sydney New Theatre