Equity has said that, unless Welsh theatre receives a similar rescue package to that given to theatre in England, it could be in setrious danger.
"The large increase to the theatres in England will result in more productions with more actors paid more money," said Chris Ryde, Equity's national organiser for Wales. "In those circumstances not only will Wales not be able to compete, what incentive will there be for actors, writers and directors to work here? The number of actor weeks available in Wales has already fallen by 35% in the four main producing companies during the last year.
"We want to see the Arts Council in Wales determine a proper strategy as did its English counterpart. Gerry Robinson made out a forceful case for additional resources and Wales must do the same. If it doesn't happen, then within five years there will be precious little indigenous theatre to worry about."
The director of Cardiff's Chapter Arts Centre, Janek Alexander, who is also chairman of the Presenting the Arts Group (PAG), said, "Many theatre artists in Wales have stopped producing work altogether and those that remain struggle with ever-dwindling resources.
"The experience of the PAG membership is that it is a struggle to find enough work to fill a season."
Tuesday 27th March is to be World Theatre Day. This annual event was set up in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), a UNESCO body. There will be theatre-related celebrations in 70 countries worldwide and, in this country, the presentation of the ITI Awards for dance and theatre at London's Garrick Club.
The Writers in Chains conference, which will discuss the persecution and censorship of playwrights throughout the world, will be held at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds this coming Saturday, 31st March. It will last from 11am to 5pm.