Theatre for Mankind is a voluntary, project-based, independent, non-profit theatre organisation. It has no premises of its own and usually hires venues for its main events. Many of our activities take place in the local Haringey libraries, which have generously supported our work for many years. We express sincere thanks and appreciation for this support and encouragement.
It was founded in 1985 by Dr Criton Tomazos at the Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn, London as an alternative theatre proposition, a new framework within which it would be possible to create, perform, research and examine as well as openly discuss and reflect on all aspects of contemporary theatre.
Theatre for Mankind has a Constitution, which defines its aims and objectives, outlines its Equal Opportunities orientation and details other operational aspects, e.g. management and organising structures, duties of voluntary committee members etc.
Some of the main aims and objectives include:
a. To create a broad platform for experimental theatre, enquiry and research, study, improvisation, performance and expression in all aspects of theatre.
b. To examine the relationship of theatre to other art forms, to literature, to music, architecture, environment, life and society in general.
c. To encourage and support new and innovative writing for the theatre from all age groups, races, creeds, nationalities and cultural backgrounds and to organise play readings, poetry readings, performances, meetings and discussions, exhibitions and other related events.
d. Through the medium of theatre, creative writing and other affiliated forms of artistic expression to discourage racism, exclusion and other forms of discrimination.
Other aims/objectives include creating social links with lay public and the art/theatre world by organising participatory activities and events, to encourage learning and open discussion, to make the arts and literature more accessible to underprivileged, discriminated and disabled people, to encourage closer links with other groups, ethnic minorities and the British community generally.
Although Theatre for Mankind is not a membership organisation and charges no fees for admission to its activities (except on special occasions), it has attracted many participants who now take part regularly in workshops and other organised activities.
Since its inception Theatre for Mankind has organised many presentations – including presentations of members’ work, productions of short plays and new work by unknown writers, poetry and short story readings, storytelling and songs as well as music performances, combined events, exhibitions and talks.
Two Literary and Drama competitions were also successfully organised – one nationwide (1997) and the other London-wide (2005).
Since 1999 TFM has organised regular monthly Creative Writing and Performance workshops for adults – initially once a month and then twice a month at the Central Library, Wood Green and at Hornsey Library, in Crouch End. These are still continuing, attracting members from the local multi-ethnic community of Haringey and beyond. Later workshops for teenagers were organised once a month at the Wood Green Library from 2002-2005.
In 2004 our first publication: ‘Our Poems’ included poetry written by 30 of its more regular participants.
Theatre for Mankind has received funding, donations, financial contributions and in-kind support by public, independent or private bodies, groups and individuals – too many to be listed and credited here.
However we acknowledge the support and express gratitude to:
East London Community Foundation - Grassroots Grants (as Managed by the Community Development Foundation),