The Centre for Performance Histories and Cultures brings together the Department’s dynamic culture of research in a variety of social and historical contexts. Work in this research centre covers a range of national theatre cultures and historical periods. We are committed to the study of performance as a set of social practices, historically and culturally specific. Theatre history is pursued through a strongly historiographical mode of enquiry, with an equally strong interdisciplinary reach, particularly around visual culture (see Theatre and Visual Culture, and Ruskinian Theatre projects). Researchers in this centre have worked with those in the Centre for Performance Practice to develop a plan of action for developing a hub of expertise in histories and practices of performer training.