The Cultural Hole of Oz

The Tourists are staying away!

Or so says a recent article in The West (Wed 26th July). In a poll of 1300 people, WA and in particular Perth were rated at the bottom as the favourite Aussie holiday destination. Those involved were asked to pick the 'Best' city or state in 13 categories including sports, culture, attractions and theatre. Please keep in mind that this survey was conducted for Tourism Victoria!

Perth is therefore the cultural black hole of Australia! and so say we all! Huraah! While I personally find it hard to believe in certain aspects having lived in the city pretty much all my life and loving it to bits, I can still see some truth in all that is stated.

There are massive gaps in the local entertainment scenes and it is not help by high levels of apathy along with poor corporate and government support, who would appear to have been afflicted by the same apathetic illness. Theatre in particular is a danged hard thing to find unless you already have an inside lead, or are reading this web site. Even so, the level of networking that exists within WA Theatre is mortally slim. "Where are all the Men?" is a cry I am sure you have all heard (and not just in WA I'm sure.) The silly thing is I know of quite a 'Few Good Men' in theatre around Perth, and yet there always seems to be problems finding good casts.

Let's face it guys. Theatre is a fading cultural aspect of our lives. When the general population think that the theatre scene consists of the occasional show at the Regal or His Majs, then we're a dying form. Theatre is becoming an underground movement rather than in yer face and alive. If I had a dollar for everytime I have heard someone say "Oh I didn't even know about this ... <insert relative phrase here>." then I wouldn't have to be working this full-time job.

The awareness of theatre in the general community is near nothing, and things need to change before they get better. I love theatre and I love Perth.