Welfare State International

Engineers of the imagination and pioneers of large-scale outdoor work rooted in community participation, Welfare State International create some of the biggest and strangest and most radical theatre of the 1970s and 80s, greatly inspired during the latter stages by their loathing of Thatcherite policies and values. Founded by John Fox and Sue Gill, Roger Coleman and others, WSI thrives through the decades as an ever-changing, multidisciplinary band of artists. Many performers pass through the company, including the acrobats, aerialists and gymnasts used in huge shows like 1969’s Earthrise, and from 1970 to 1972 Welfare State run a group called Cosmic Circus. WSI eventually closes its doors in 2006.