We believe the origin and deepest purpose of theatre is to see and to know ourselves, each other and our world more clearly and to develop ourselves to our full potential.

Richard Olivier has long been fascinated with the idea that theatre is a lost teaching tool. Growing up in a theatre family, the son of two extremely talented actors, Laurence Olivier and Joan Plowright and surrounded by other talented actors, directors and writers; he was naturally fascinated by the

thrall and the mystery of theatre.

As an avid audience member of some of the great British theatrical productions of that era, he sensed a deeper origin for the art and craft observed than the “cultured entertainment” that was often espoused.

At college he started to research the origins of dramatic form for himself – an investigation that continues to this day.

Richard discovered that theatre was

originally a sacred art. The first actors were the healers, priests and shamans of their tribes.

These shamans would imagine, dream or otherwise “receive” myths and stories that would reflect the origin and future of the tribe; these would then be performed at special rites and festivals to give meaning to their people and to bind the tribe together.

So theatre, in this sense, was continuous education and progressive human development.