How might an understanding of theatre at Ormesby Hall change existing conceptions of the history and dramaturgy of British theatre?

My research will explore the importance of Ormesby Hall to the development of modern British theatre, whilst analysing the circumstances that have led to it being forgotten. I will focus on Theatre Workshop's time at Ormesby as a hinge: how the social, theatrical, historical and geographical forces acting on the house at this moment created the climate for them to develop their method of collaborative theatremaking. I will demonstrate their impact on British Theatre and reclaim Theatre Workshop's regional identity, often obscured by an emphasis on their later success at Theatre Royal
Stratford East and in The West End. This move reflects the economic pressure of the time, that caused the growing influence of the institution of the theatre building and the decline of the travelling repertory company in community spaces. Although an artistic success, the cultural impact of Theatre Workshop has faded since their assimilation and disbanding: contemporary companies have not replicated their model and objectives. The sidelining of Ormesby Hall from theatrical history further reflects the exclusion of amateur and community-based work from mainstream professional practice. An understanding of this period - and its failings - offers an alternative history, a 'what might have been' in British Theatre. With theatres once more returning to issues of regionality, community and methods of working, this
research is timely and offers a potential to revive these working methods.