New Earth Theatre is set to make history with the launch of the UK's first public archive dedicated to British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) theatre. The "Living Archive" will debut with a free exhibition at Shoreditch Town Hall from September 26 to October 11, 2025, offering a rare glimpse into 30 years of BESEA creative heritage.
The exhibition is a cornerstone of New Earth Theatre's 30th Anniversary Season and will feature a rich collection of photographs, scripts, programs, and oral history excerpts. It aims to showcase how BESEA artists have challenged stereotypes and transformed the UK's theatrical landscape.
Project Managers Dr. Caleb Lee and Diana Feng emphasized the exhibition's significance. "This is not simply a record of the past thirty years—it is a living conversation between generations," they said. "It carries the labor and imagination of artists who paved the way while inspiring those who will carry the work forward."
Executive Director Lian Wilkinson added that the project was a long time in the making, sparked by the company's own journey of preserving its history. "We are excited that making our archive accessible for the first time not only preserves New Earth’s history but also the legacy of BESEA artists and communities who have all contributed to shaping British theatre," Wilkinson stated.
The exhibition is just one part of a larger anniversary celebration. The festivities kick off with the inaugural Twisted Roots Festival, featuring new work from BESEA artists at the Bush Theatre in London on September 3-4 and at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse in Sheffield on September 9-10. Following the festival, a symposium titled "Beyond Representation: New Earth, New Strategies" will be held on September 12 at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, exploring decolonial approaches to theatre-making.
The "Living Archive" project has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. After the exhibition closes, the full archive will become available to the public in Spring 2026. Free tickets for the exhibition can be booked at the Shoreditch Town Hall website.
