Museum of Austerity is more than an exhibition; it’s a blend of theatre, history and humanity. A place to reflect on the past, and confront the future.
Witness the human stories of Austerity Britain in this arresting mixed reality installation.
In 2016, the UN found that “grave or systemic violations” of the rights of disabled people were taking place throughout the UK. Wearing a mixed reality headset, you will enter a striking, holographic gallery that lays bare the consequences when state safety nets fail.
This powerful installation combines verbatim testimony with the skills of theatre/XR director Sacha Wares and the in-depth knowledge of John Pring, editor of Disability News Service. It was a finalist in the XR History Awards, nominated for Best Digital Innovation at the UK Theatre Awards and won International Documentary Festival Amsterdam’s (IDFA) Best Immersive Production
Co-produced by English Touring Theatre, Trial & Error Studio and National Theatre, in association with Young Vic.
Content Guidance
Museum of Austerity uses mixed reality headsets and contains material that some people may find distressing or challenging to engage with. For further information on what to expect please take a look at the Visitor Guide.
Age recommendation: 18+
Running Time: 45 mins in total including headset familiarisation
Click here for full visitor information
To accompany the Museum of Austerity exhibition, there will be a free workshop on Welfare Justice on Monday 12 January with Imogen Day, China Mills and Tumu Johnson. For more information and to book, click here.
Imogen Day has been campaigning for changes to the welfare system ever since her sister, Philippa Day, died in 2019, due to fatal mistakes within the benefits system.
An ETT, Trial and Error Studio, and National Theatre co-production, presented in association with the Young Vic, supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. UK Tour supported by Arts Council England and Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Original R&D supported by CreativeXR. Soundscape development thanks to Genesis Kickstart Fund, supported by the Genesis Foundation. Original preview presentation co-commissioned by BFI London Film Festival – LFF Expanded.
Production Gallery
