making theatre "mainstream"...

I think you're being a bit generalised saying there is no challenging theatre in mainstream theatre What exactly is Mainstream theatre when the industry is in itself Mainstream ,as Neville outlined so clearly in the second reply of this post. So no challenging theatre from the 'mainstream' companies? Barry Kosky is devising two productions for Sydney theatre Company this year Melbourne Theatre Company just did Jane Bodies new work ' A Single Act" (Actually i am surprised if you think any of their program is safe) Queensland Theatre Companies next production is Constance Drinkwater and the Last days of sommerset. In Melbourne, Melbouene Workers Theatre just did We Built this City (site specific theatre involving front end loader choreography) and I would again struggle to call Malthouse's program safe and Mainstream. Opening in under a month is Stuck Pigs Squealings ( i expect one of the fringe companies that you allude to) new show...funded by Australia Council. So, a little surprised when you say the funding bodies and companies are looking for Mainstream, safe and non challenging theatre. The reality is 1) you wont get funded if you do 'safe' theatre solely and in some what of a contrast, 2) you neeed an audience. Of course their are the seat fillers out among the programs but it think it's ill informed to wipe off all the companies with a quick key stroke. And for all of us thinking a new Arts minister will make a difference...Won't happen. Until we can put a doller value on the cultural value of the arts to Australian Society we won't be getting their respect. Which I find ironic when John and Janette clap along to opening ceremonies enjoying the spectacle and ignoring the Arts that made it happen. And now i'm typing, I want to play devils advocate here and say i think theatre gets a good level of press coverage. The newspapers aren't a service organisation. Adverts pay for them and the companies that contribute to the bottom line of the company get more editorial space. With regional papers they tell you straight out, "we won't write about you unless you pay for an advert" Taking a quick swing around the country and talking papers. The West Australian has a page a week and Simon Clarkes excellent column ( some editorial space which dosen't happen too much). The review all the funded companies and the Blue Room and Re4chabites. Fair enough, it isnt a big city and they make very little off the industry The Adelaide Advertiser reviews more and gives more coverage and also has its own theatre awards. Theatre artists are interviewed for magazine articles The Age i think has a good coverage. the recent coedy festival saw they review a quarter of the acts, not bad effort i would say The Herald Sun wasn't so active (it wasn't a sponser) but reviews all the major venues (both fring and mainstream) as wellas the companies MX is excellent with interviews, the occasional review and articles a plenty, just look at their recent coverage of the Next Wave festival. The street press in all towns are good, with a definate leaning towards no press if you don't advertise during their respective festivals. The Syndey Morning Herald reviews and previews heavily. I expect the question is what are we expecting? Community Theatre often asks for review space but with so many companies ine very city where does it end?