AustLit

In the 1930s Australian New Theatre groups belonged to a loose international movement of workers' theatres, with the objective to promote national drama, educate workers and present 'plays with a purpose'.

The New Theatre movement originated from the USA in the 1920s. An Australian branch formed in 1932 (initially called 'Sydney Workers' Art Club', changed name to 'New Theatre League' in 1936, shortened to 'New Theatre' in 1945). Radical theatre groups sprang up in all Australian capital cities, often initiated by left-wing artists who had been in the Soviet Union or belonged to the Communist Party. There was strong political commentary on contemporary issues. By the end of the 1960s, the national organisation disbanded and many groups closed, only the Sydney and Melbourne groups survived.