This paper discusses the Royal National Theatre as a cultural institution. The Royal National Theatre needs to be cherished as a place where new voices and old stories come together to remind the nation of where it has been, and to illuminate the path to take in the future. England is the birthplace of the world's greatest playwright, and some lesser lights (comparatively speaking) such as Jonson, Marlowe, Webster, Sheridan, Shaw, Pinter, Stoppard. The last few years has seen a resurgence in new playwrighting which is vital, funny, edgy and intelligent. That is a culture worth protecting and developing and the Royal National Theatre seems the ideal institution in which to do it. 5 pgs. 4f/c. 5b.