misunderstanding each other since 2003

fence /fens/ n 1 a barrier intended to prevent escape or intrusion <a garden ~> 2 informal 2a a receiver of stolen goods b a place where stolen goods are bought 3 an upright obstacle to be jumped by a horse 4 an international association of playwrights and theatre-makers who meet to share thought and experience, and who help each other, esp. in Europe, also worldwide. vt 1 To enclose with a fence 2 to receive or sell stolen goods. vi 1a to practise fencing (with a sword) b(1) to use tactics of attack and defence resembling those of fencing b(2) to engage in skilful or witty conversation.

The Fence
Fence members teaching and performing in: (left to right) Rokiskis, Lithuania;
Waterford, Connecticut, USA; La Charité sur Loire, France; Rabat, Morocco

A cultural network for the 21st century

The Fence is an international network for working playwrights and people who make playwriting happen, across Europe and beyond.

Established in October 2003, the network in 2018 comprises 250 members from 50 countries

Purpose of the Fence

The Fence was founded on the core principles of: the importance of the playwright to wider culture and society that in practice, diversity and mobility are the same thing, and that through engagement with others our own work develops.

The network exists as a space to think, to be and to do.

The Fence aims to open up routes to opportunities for playwrights and cultural operators seeking to extend their vision and their practice beyond their own national and infrastructural boundaries.

The Fence runs network meetings on average twice yearly, but also works in a variety of modes with Fence members collaborating on diverse initiatives.

 As a mature network, now 15 years old, which has held 24 network meetings to date, The Fence can offer:

  • Workshops
  • Consultancy
  • Surgeries
  • Master classes
  • Diverse models of practice

With a wide variety of expertise in the following areas:

Playwriting Dramaturgy Teaching skills
Translation Professional development planning Wider cultural landscapes
Cultural mobility Intercultural Dialogue Cultural policy contexts
Internationalising practice Negotiation Togetherness
Collaboration How to work in partnership Catalytic Processes

Follow us on Twitter