The University Connection 1997-2013
The Free Theatre in the Arts Centre
Free Theatre's relationship with the Theatre and Film Studies Department at Canterbury University was a vital part of its ongoing contribution to local and national performance culture. Indeed, Theatre and Film Studies grew out of the Free Theatre with demand for experimentation in theatre and film practice suggesting the need for a dedicated programme (established as a department in 1997). Theatre and Film Studies become, with an impressive number of completed PhD students, the leading facility for postgraduate performance and film research in the country.
Although Free Theatre maintained legal and financial independence from the University, it kept a close association with Theatre and Film Studies for two principle reasons. Firstly, the Department provided in-kind support for Free Theatre (space and technical assistance) in recognition of Free Theatre's contribution to high quality research and teaching in the Department. Secondly, many members over the years were and are, in different capacities, all involved in performance research, which helps maintain the integrity of Free Theatre's experimental spirit. Creating, writing about, and teaching theatre and film leads to a dynamic, exciting, mutually beneficial environment. This continues despite the "disestablishment" of the department by the University in 2013.
After the establishment of the TAFS department the Free Theatre was sometimes referred to as the University Theatre.
Although Free Theatre maintained legal and financial independence from the University, it kept a close association with Theatre and Film Studies for two principle reasons. Firstly, the Department provided in-kind support for Free Theatre (space and technical assistance) in recognition of Free Theatre's contribution to high quality research and teaching in the Department. Secondly, many members over the years were and are, in different capacities, all involved in performance research, which helps maintain the integrity of Free Theatre's experimental spirit. Creating, writing about, and teaching theatre and film leads to a dynamic, exciting, mutually beneficial environment. This continues despite the "disestablishment" of the department by the University in 2013.
After the establishment of the TAFS department the Free Theatre was sometimes referred to as the University Theatre.
