The Centre for Asian Theatre and Dance at Royal Holloway, University of London was established in 2016 to provide a supportive framework for research, teaching, mentoring, external consultation, performance activity, public engagement, networking and dissemination of research in this vibrant field. With a nucleus of the Handa Noh Theatre, the Centre offers numerous opportunities for dialogue among Royal Holloway academic staff and postgraduate students with visiting practitioners and academics.

The Centre does not limit its definition of Asian theatre and dance to ancient art forms such as noh or wayang kulit, but addresses the contemporary arts in Asia and in Asian diasporas (including theatre, dance, live art and performance art); intercultural arts; performances derived from or inspired by Asia; intermedial arts; media representations of Asian performance; Asian performance artefacts such as masks, puppets and costumes; European arts as practiced in Asia; and Asian arts in global contexts, among other areas.

Building upon interdisciplinary networks established by the Asian Performing Arts Forum, the Centre runs externally-advertised seminar series and sponsors and co-sponsors lectures and workshops. It also hosts performances, oversee the Noh Training Project UK, works with parties wishing to make use of the Handa Noh Theatre, supports and advises student activities and clubs and has relations with other international centres for Asian theatre and dance. Oversight from the Centre enables a coordinated approach to research, teaching, performance and other activities in Asian performing arts at Royal Holloway.