Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THEATRE
Sydney provides something for all thespian tastes, from mainstream blockbuster musicals
at major venues to small theatre companies staging experimental, exciting works in the
inner-city suburbs. That said, Sydney's theatrical tastes do tend towards the unadventurous
end of the spectrum.
While the bulk of Australian actors live and work in Sydney, Australia's geographic isol-
ation and a lingering sense of 'cultural cringe' mean that truly local theatre gigs are thin on
the ground and not particularly well paid. Thus, many actors prefer to get as much film and
TV work as they can or, better yet, go overseas. The National Institute of Dramatic Art
(NIDA) in Kensington is a breeding ground for new talent, and stages performances of stu-
dents' work.
The city's biggest name in theatre is the Sydney Theatre Company (STC). Established in
1978, it provides a balanced program of modern, classical, local and foreign drama, and at-
tracts solid talent across the board. Since 2008 Cate Blanchett and playwright hubbie
Andrew Upton have been the company's artistic directors, their star-power bringing plenty
of media attention to the company. Their stint will come to an end in 2013.
Smaller theatre companies presenting genuinely innovative work include the much-loved
Company B at the Belvoir St Theatre; the Griffin Theatre Co at the Stables; and the
Tamarama Rock Surfers at the Old Fitzroy and Bondi Pavilion.
Stage performers to watch for in local productions include Deborah Mailman, Oscar-
nominee Jackie Weaver, Marcus Graham, John Howard (not that one), Robyn Nevin and
Barry Otto. And, of course, Sydney's resident colony of movie stars pop up from time to
time in stage roles.
