The UK’s cultural landscape is at a crossroads, warns Tinuke Craig, one of the country’s leading black British theatre directors. Craig, renowned for her work on productions such as the Donmar Warehouse’s Trouble in Butetown, raises a critical concern: the diminishing investment in arts schemes aimed at working-class children could lead to a UK theatre scene that is increasingly dominated by privileged, white voices.
Craig, who grew up in Brixton, reminisces about the 1990s—a time she describes as the “peak scheme era.” This was a period when free arts programs flourished, offering opportunities for working-class communities to engage with the arts. These initiatives were instrumental in nurturing a diverse range of talents, including the current crop of black British theatre professionals.
However, with Arts Council England funding slashed by over 30%, the availability of such schemes has dwindled. Craig fears that this trend will narrow the perspectives presented on stage, creating a theatre landscape that fails to reflect the diversity of society. “It won’t be immediately noticeable, but it suddenly will be 15 years down the line,” she cautions, envisioning a future where theatre is shaped predominantly by those from affluent backgrounds.
Craig’s latest work, an adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, underscores the importance of diverse narratives in theatre. The play, which explores themes of home, safety, and racism, is particularly resonant at a time when far-right violence has made headlines in the UK. Craig believes that the issues Hansberry addressed are still very much alive today, especially for black and brown communities who may feel increasingly alienated.
The potential loss of diverse voices in UK theatre is more than just a concern for those within the industry. It has broader implications for society, as theatre has the power to shape cultural conversations and challenge societal norms. Without sufficient support for arts schemes that provide access to all, the UK’s theatre scene risks becoming an echo chamber for the privileged few rather than a platform for diverse stories and voices.
