New network aims to connect every theatre in Europe

A new ‘analogue and digital’ network aiming to connect every theatre in Europe is gearing up to launch.

Announced this week at the Culture Shift 2 Conference at Sheffield Theatres, to coincide with the UK formally triggering its withdrawal from the European Union, Theatron’s EngagingTheatre Network intends to combine knowledge and best practice sharing online with in-person workshops, artistic work, and direct interventions in schools.

“It is important to always be analogue. Theatre is analogue,” Artistic Director of Theatron Lars Seeberg told AP.

“The network will be online, but we’ll keep hosting workshops and performances. We’ll be present in classrooms, and we’ll continue giving a voice to people marginalised in society.”

European collaboration

The Theatron network was founded five years ago by 12 European performing arts organisations, including Sheffield Theatres and Sadler’s Wells, with support from the European Commission’s 2007 – 2013 Culture Programme. Its members aimed to “get inspired” by others around Europe, and make European theatre more relevant to its communities.

The members have since toured artistic work around the continent, in partnership with theatres in countries including Sweden, the Czech Republic, Germany and the UK.

“The collaboration has been practical – exchanging experiences with performances, hosting workshops, exchanging personnel,” Seeberg added.

“We’re currently applying for four more years of EU funding to continue this. If Theatron is supported in its current form, the new network will be an intrinsic part of our offering.

“If it isn’t, the network will stand alone as the home for performing arts organisations that place audiences in the centre of their artistic and strategic vision.”