Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ENTERTAINMENT
With the Opera House as its centrepiece, it follows that this neighbourhood is the locus of Sydney's performing-
arts scene. Most of the big companies are based here, taking advantage of the area's seven world-class stages. The
ratio of theatre luvvies and dance bunnies to the general population is higher in Walsh Bay (home to four major
companies and two excellent theatre complexes) than anywhere else in the city. If you're keen to spot famous
thespians, there are few better locales.
SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY
THEATRE
(STC; 9250 1777;
www.sydneytheatre.com.au
;
Pier 4/5, 15 Hickson Rd; tickets free-$90; box office 9am-7pm
Mon, to 8.30pm Tue-Fri, 11am-8.30pm Sat, 2hr before show Sun; Wynyard)
Established in 1978, the STC
is Sydney theatre's top dog and has been an important stepping stone in the careers of many
famous Australian actors (including Mel Gibson, Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving, Toni Collette
and Miranda Otto). Another alumni, Cate Blanchett, is due to finish her stint as co-artistic
director in 2013.
Tours of the company's Wharf and Sydney theatres are held at 10.30am on the first and
third Thursdays of the month ($10). Performances are also staged at the Sydney Opera
House's Drama Theatre.
OPERA AUSTRALIA
Australia is the big player in Oz opera, staging over 600 performances a year. The company
is based both here and in Melbourne.
OPERA
BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE
hailed as Australia's finest Aboriginal performance company. Artistic director Stephen
Page conjures a fusion of contemporary themes and indigenous traditions, blending Torres
Strait Islander dance with Western technique. The company often performs at the Sydney
Opera House, as well as interstate and internationally.
DANCE
SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY
DANCE
(SDC; 9221 4811;
www.sydneydancecompany.com
;
Pier 4/5, 15 Hickson Rd; tickets $30-99; Circular Quay)
Australia's number one contemporary-dance company has been lubricating the nation's cul-
tural psyche for more than 25 years, staging wildly modern, sexy, sometimes shocking
