The Trust
The purpose of the Trust is, in general, for the advancement of education, but, in particular, to establish an experimental theatre and/or trust for experimental theatre dedicated to encouraging new generations of creative artists, whether dramatists, dancers, musicians, painters, sculptors or poets.
In early Summer 1967, Francis Warner asked Samuel Beckett if such a theatre could be named after him to which he agreed.
From the outset, the Trust has had a specific interest in aiding artists of the avant-garde who often have to wait many years before they are taken up by the commercial theatre. Through this award, the Trust is looking to help an artist, or a group, of high calibre, realize a fully resourced professional production. It is looking to assist artists that hitherto may not have had this opportunity. The aim is to support work of quality and promise. Commercial success and public appeal are not primary considerations.
The Trust is a Registered Charity, number 273400
"The award is a brilliant initiative to encourage imagination and risk-taking by a new generation of theatre practitioners" - Graham Whybrow, formerly Literary Manager, Royal Court