Unnoticed miracles

Abstract

This article examines the nature of relationships between funders and applied theatre companies. Recognising that this is a murky terrain where competing agendas and goals can jeopardise the effectiveness of applied theatre programmes, the article traces the history of the funding relationship between Applied Theatre Consultants Ltd and Child, Youth and Family. In retelling the tangled web of the relationship, we arrive at an understanding of how the nature of the relationship determines not only the scope of an applied theatre programme but also its ends, its aesthetic framing and eventually its effectiveness or otherwise. The article challenges the manner in which applied theatre companies can become unwitting dupes of government agencies, and at worse complicit in using theatre to achieve dubious funder's ends.

Keywords:

• applied theatre
• funding
• child abuse
• safety
• aesthetic framing
• effectiveness