British Council

British Council, organization founded in 1934 to promote a wider knowledge of the United Kingdom and the English language abroad. A drama department was founded in 1937 and, after amalgamating with the music department in 1961, again became a separate entity in 1977; it was renamed the drama and dance department in 1980, though dance had in fact always been within its jurisdiction. The department sponsors tours overseas by leading British companies; distributes copies of British plays with a view to their performance abroad; gives advice and information on all aspects of British theatre; and sponsors visits to Britain by theatre personalities from other countries for professional study and contacts with representatives of the British theatre.