Our Mission
What we do and why we do it
Darker Purpose Arts has been founded to present innovative, low-maintenance, accessible productions of classics and new work to emerging audiences.
The charity exists to support the creation and sharing of meaningful theatre and performance. We produce new writing, original interpretations of classic texts, devised work and community projects that explore the human experience by posing hard questions in pursuit of deep truths.
We aim to make the arts accessible to diverse audiences and to help young people develop the confidence and skills to express themselves creatively.
Through collaboration with companies, charities, artists, educators, and partner organisations, we promote creative learning, nurture artistic growth, and support experimentation because we believe theatre can deepen understanding, build empathy and strengthen communities.
What's in a name?
Why "Darker Purpose"?
KING LEAR
Meantime we shall express our darker purpose.
- King Lear by William Shakespeare, Act 1 Scene i
​
The name Darker Purpose Arts comes from a line early in Shakespeare's King Lear, when Lear tells those closest to him that he intends to “unburden’d crawl toward death” and reveal his to his family and close associates his hidden intentions, the truth he has not yet spoken.
​
For us, the phrase captures the heart of what we do. We seek to uncover deeper meanings within classic and contemporary stories, to make what was hidden visible, and to share these discoveries with new audiences.
Our work reimagines timeless tales in clear, modern, and engaging ways, bringing joy, insight and understanding through a bold new theatre that speaks to the present moment while honouring the past.