Emergence Theory

In systems theory, emergence is the production of an outcome that cannot exist without the specific sum of all its parts. Like the alchemical process of theatre-making itself, Milk Crate Theatre has executed vital acts of emergence throughout its vast history, through multiple performance styles, structures, and processes – all dependent on who is in the room and what they wish to express. Emergence happens when we gather together in artistic enquiry, and again when we meet with our audience.

Milk Crate Theatre audiences see work made by people with lived experience of homelessness that may not necessarily be about homelessness, or a stereotypical journey from struggle to redemption. We aim to shift the paradigm – to challenge audiences to consider what kind of work they expect to see made by people with these lived experiences. Viewers and performers engage together in an act of emergence, that goes far beyond what happens in the physical theatre space.

"Milk Crate Theatre is Amazing. It fills a very special role in society to support people in need. I loved working with people whose needs are different to my own and seeing how the company works this into their ethos."

Natural Order Collaborative Artist

Natural Order Collaborative Artist