[2] Themes explored in the productions were mostly related to exploitation of the working class, sexism, racism in Australia, and against war.
In the early days the group produced short political sketches, which they often performed outdoors, including at factory gates.
In 1936 the theatre group produced American playwright Clifford Odets' full-length play (their first) Waiting For Lefty, and later that year his Till the Day I Die.
After the Nazi Consul General complained to the Commonwealth Government, the play was banned from being shown at Melbourne theatres, causing an outcry among the public.
[3] Among these was White Justice,[7] co-produced by the AAL and New Theatre in August 1946,[8] based on the Pilbara strike in Western Australia.
[3] The Ballad of Angel's Alley: A Pocket Opera, by Jeff Underhill, was performed at the Flinders St theatre in December 1958 – January 1959.
[3] Dot Thompson was director of the theatre in 1970, when she cast Jack Charles in South African playwright Athol Fugard's The Blood Knot.
[3] Many records, costume and set designs, audio-visual material and other items pertaining to the theatre are held in the Australian Performing Arts Collection.