Clean Break (Clean Break Theatre Company)

Description

Clean Break is a women's theatre company founded in 1979 by two women in prison who believed in the power of theatre to transform lives. The company's vision is of a society where all women can realise their full potential, free from criminalisation. Through its work on stage, in prisons and in the community, the company raises difficult questions, inspires debate, and works to effect positive change in the lives of women who are criminalised. Described as the only women's theatre company of its kind, it co-produces plays with high-profile theatres  (including the National Theatre, Royal Court, Bush Theatre and Sheffield Theatres) to keep the subject of women and the criminal justice system on the cultural radar.

The company uses theatre to transform the lives of women who have experienced the criminal justice system, or who are at risk of entering it due to challenges such as mental ill health or problematic substance use. Its workshops and projects build women's confidence, resilience and wellbeing alongside new creative skills. A core Members Programme, run from the company's building in Kentish Town, London, is open to women aged 18 and above and offers workshops and performance opportunities led by women theatre artists, with wrap-around support in a trauma-informed setting. The company also delivers training in creative facilitation, theatre in criminal justice settings, trauma-informed practice and playwriting, and maintains a digital archive and online Knowledge Hub. It is a women-only and trans-inclusive organisation with an active commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression.

Currently active

Yes

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

1979

Contact details

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Additional Partnerships

National Theatre; Royal Court; Bush Theatre; Sheffield Theatres; Brixton House; Geese Theatre Company; Arts Council; Backstage Trust; Bruce Wake Charitable Foundation; City Bridge; The McGrath Charitable Trust