In her recent address at the second Jennie Lee lecture, Indhu Rubasingham, the artistic director of the National Theatre, expressed deep concerns regarding the state of the UK theatre industry. She argued that adopting conservative theatre-making practices may provide short-term financial stability for venues but poses a grave threat to the future of creative expression in the arts. Rubasingham emphasized the importance of taking risks and investing in new writing, especially at a time when funding for the arts is diminishing. She believes that a failure to innovate and embrace new ideas will ultimately lead to a decline in the theatre's relevance and vibrancy.

Rubasingham’s comments highlight a significant trend within the industry, where support for new writing has been on a steep decline. She pointed out that this downturn is one of the most alarming indicators of the current state of theatre in the UK. Calling for courage and decisive action, she warned that simply playing it safe will not safeguard the industry’s future. Her remarks resonate with a larger debate about artistic funding and the responsibilities of cultural institutions to foster creativity over mere profitability.

The Jennie Lee lecture series, which Rubasingham was addressing, is organized by Arts Council England in collaboration with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, indicating the importance of governmental and artistic partnerships in discussing and addressing these pressing concerns within the arts. This event attracted 200 representatives from the UK arts sector, showcasing the urgency of the dialogue surrounding the sustainability and future of theatre in the UK. If Rubasingham’s call for renewed investment in innovative artistic practices is heeded, it could lead to a more vibrant and diverse theatre landscape, essential for future generations of audiences and artists alike.