Queensland Theatre fans are invited to take a seat and be a part the company’s history and make a personalised dedication (or gifting one to a friend) on one or more chairs in the new Bille Brown Theatre.
The much loved Bille Brown Studio is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation and in October will take on new life as the 351 seat Bille Brown Theatre. Today (Thursday 5 July) Minister for the Arts the Hon. Leeanne Enoch visited the Bille Brown Theatre, marking three months until it will be the home of playwright David Williamson’s new work, Nearer the Gods.
Artistic Director Sam Strong is keeping to his promise of strengthening theatre in Queensland, with the launch of the Bille Brown Theatre a major part of this commitment. “The Bille Brown Theatre is a once in a generation transformation for Queensland Theatre,” he said. “It’s a rare opportunity to build the ideal theatre experience from the ground up. The transformed Bille Brown Theatre will provide the hub from which we can continue to share the work of Queenslanders with the rest of the country – cementing Queensland Theatre’s reputation as the fastest growing and most watched theatre company around Australia. I’m also incredibly proud to be opening the new theatre by personally directing the latest play by Australia’s greatest storyteller, David Williamson.”
Some of the country’s biggest stars will christen The Bille Brown Theatre – Nearer the Gods stars Matthew Backer (Switzerland), William McInnes (SeaChange, Time of our Lives) and Rhys Muldoon (House Husbands) while the company’s finale to Season 2018 Hedda stars Wentworth’s Danielle Cormack. Strong says the theatre will be a welcome addition to Brisbane’s arts infrastructure. “It will be the city’s first corner stage creating the uniquely intimate experiences that contemporary audiences crave. It will also form the centre from which we can engage more with regional Queensland, as well as increasing the resources that we can commit to small to medium companies and independent artists.” Strong said.
The total cost of the renovation project is $5.5 million. Of that, $4 million has already been raised through a $2 million grant from the State Government. The company has embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise the final $1.5 million and has already raised over $1 million from enthusiastic and generous donors. Queensland Theatre Executive Director Amanda Jolly said Queensland Theatre was now calling on support from theatre lovers, fans and corporate supporters of all shapes and sizes to help reach the final figure before the doors open for Nearer the Gods on Saturday 6 October.
Our readers also enjoyed this story about Queensland Theatre’s new show Hedda.
