Cynical Ledging on New Arts Centre - Perth

A recent decision to name the New Theatre Complex currently under construction on Roe Street Perth, after the late Heath Ledger has been labelled as 'Cynical' by Perth Theatre Company's General Manger Tony Bonney. The reasoning behind this statement is the relevance of naming a Theatrical building after a performer who had not been on stage since his school days. He also states that he is not alone with his opposition to the decision claiming to have 'received a flood of emails' with similar complaints.

"You can name them after people to get attention for them but ultimately do they represent what the facility is for?" He likened the concept to 'naming a venue for the WA Symphony Orchestra after AC/DC front man Bon Scott.' "I see it as being a little bit more of a short-term, dare I say, cynical exercise."

Alan Carpenter along with Kim Ledge and the Arts Minister stated "We wanted to pay tribute to Heath Ledger's brilliance as an actor, we want to let the world know what we're doing here in the arts, of the talent we are able to produce." The decision to name the theatre after the actor is supported by his family.

According to statements from the director of Batman: Dark Knight, Heath claimed to be nervous about performing on stage, admitting he did not have the training or technique for theatre. So the question remains, is it appropriate to name a Theatrical establishment after a famous Perth Actor who rarely appeared and admitted to a fear of stage?

In my opinion, Heath Ledge has become iconic and an inspiration for young WA hopefuls. Yes he may have not been a Theatrical regular and may have had concerns about appearing on-stage, but how many of us, even the acting regular, do not have our doubts? Heath was a powerful actor and people looked up to him. His name will continue to inspire so why not place it in the middle of what is hoped to be the cultural centre of Perth? Is it really 'wrong' to name a theatre after a film star?