Tim Etchells - Artistic Director, Forced Entertainment, Sheffield

Dear Sir or Madam

Re: CPR – The Centre for Performance Research, Wales

I’m writing in support of the Centre for Performance Research with the request that you reconsider, as a matter of urgency, the funding of this important national organization.

As artistic director of Forced Entertainment – creating work at the cutting edge of performance and presenting theatre projects over the world – I am aware how rare it is to find an organization with such a vision, professionalism and commitment to a serious investigation of theatre and performance forms. CPR is a shinning example in its field, consistently delivering workshop, research and symposia projects of the highest caliber. It has been a national and international resource for practitioners at many different levels and many different ages, aesthetic and intellectual persuasions. What has brought them together – to talk, to train, to debate with artists of international significance and to experience contemporary performance work of the highest caliber has been CPR. There are – really – not so many organizations in Europe with this kind of track record. The fact that we have one in the UK is something you should be proud of, something you should champion and continue to support.

I know that many many other artists across the UK and much further afield are dismayed and perplexed by the recent news on CPR. I’d like to add my strongest support to the reversal of your decision.

All the best,
Tim Etchells
Artistic Director
FORCED ENTERTAINMENT
Sheffield