We’re delighted to announce that the New Earth Living Archive is now live!
Since 1995 New Earth Theatre has been making theatre that centres British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) stories, artists and communities. Now, we’re opening the doors to our history and inviting you to explore it.
The Living Archive was created as part of our 30th anniversary year in 2025, bringing together stories, memories and materials from across New Earth’s journey, from our beginnings as Yellow Earth Theatre, through our evolution into New Earth Theatre, and to the work we continue to make today.
The Living Archive offers a window into New Earth Theatre’s past, present and future, with three key collections:
100 items from our physical archive
Explore a selection of photographs, programmes, posters and other materials from our extensive archive. These are just 100 items from a collection, now stored at the V&A East Storehouse.
Living Archive Oral Histories
Hear directly from the people who have helped shape New Earth Theatre and the wider BESEA theatre community. These oral histories capture personal memories, experiences and reflections that bring our history to life.
BESEA Plays Database
Discover plays by British East and Southeast Asian writers and explore the breadth of stories and voices that have contributed to the UK theatre landscape.
We hope the Living Archive will be a resource for artists, researchers, students, audiences, communities and anyone interested in the history of BESEA theatre in the UK, and we hope it will continue to grow with the stories, memories and materials of our community.
The Living Archive Project is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Explore the New Earth Living Archive today at newearthlivingarchive.org.uk