Powering the Performing Arts
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 12:08 amGrant Malcolm16 posts in thread
Powering the Performing Arts
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 12:08 amIt's been exciting to follow the suggestions for re-developing the old East Perth Power Station and turning it into a cultural centre with performing arts facilities.
While I'm not too sure about the obsession with blindly following the lead of other capital cities in pushing for a performing arts venue situated on the water's edge - can't we come up with something original? - the Power Station represents a stunning opportunity.
The building itself is beautifully situated and the huge structure is most impressive when view from either the railway or the new tunnel bridge. The proximity to both the casino and Northbridge lend the venue a centrality that would be invaluable in attracting new audiences.
I'm not sure that i share Geoff Gibbs' enthusiasm - reported in The West - for housing two theatre venues seating 400 and 600 respectively. Only a couple of weeks ago in the same paper, Ron Banks was bemoaning the fact that our larger venues will be returning to extended periods of darkness after an unprecedented run. And Gibbs' is suggesting we need two more medium sized venues?!?!
The two busiest theatres in town - the BlueRoom and Effie Crump - each seat less than 100. Do we really need another two venues seating four times that number that will be empty nine months of the year except for when we have imported products showing?
If Geoff Gibbs and Arts Minister, Mike Board, are serious about supporting local industry, I hope the venue will house at least one much smaller studio space. The space can easily be filled by local productions on less than stellar budgets.
What does everyone else think?
Cheers
Grant
While I'm not too sure about the obsession with blindly following the lead of other capital cities in pushing for a performing arts venue situated on the water's edge - can't we come up with something original? - the Power Station represents a stunning opportunity.
The building itself is beautifully situated and the huge structure is most impressive when view from either the railway or the new tunnel bridge. The proximity to both the casino and Northbridge lend the venue a centrality that would be invaluable in attracting new audiences.
I'm not sure that i share Geoff Gibbs' enthusiasm - reported in The West - for housing two theatre venues seating 400 and 600 respectively. Only a couple of weeks ago in the same paper, Ron Banks was bemoaning the fact that our larger venues will be returning to extended periods of darkness after an unprecedented run. And Gibbs' is suggesting we need two more medium sized venues?!?!
The two busiest theatres in town - the BlueRoom and Effie Crump - each seat less than 100. Do we really need another two venues seating four times that number that will be empty nine months of the year except for when we have imported products showing?
If Geoff Gibbs and Arts Minister, Mike Board, are serious about supporting local industry, I hope the venue will house at least one much smaller studio space. The space can easily be filled by local productions on less than stellar budgets.
What does everyone else think?
Cheers
Grant
RE: Powering the Performing Arts
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 02:09 amWalter Plinge
I'm inclined to think that a decent lyric theatre (1,000 - 2,000 seats) would do the city proud.
Mind you, I only say that for my own perverted ends... the biggest orchestra pit in town can't hold the orchestra required for fully staged performances of Wagner or Strauss operas, so there's a need. (For me at least - dammit! - if no-one else)
As you say, a small studio space is a good idea for your more intimate or experimental pieces.
A good 300-600 seat drama theatre would balance it beautifully, I think.
In short, what we're looking for is a variation on Melbourne's Victorian Arts Centre, Sydney's Opera House, Adelaide's Festival Theatre, Brisbane's QPAC, etc.
On the water would be nice... location is good... the basic idea is ambitious, but not impossible.
I think it's a fabulous idea!
And in all seriousness, how does one get down and dirty in the fight to have it realised? I mean, can I call someone and offer my services in this grand quest?
as always, your devoted fubloigen,
David the Meadows.
Mind you, I only say that for my own perverted ends... the biggest orchestra pit in town can't hold the orchestra required for fully staged performances of Wagner or Strauss operas, so there's a need. (For me at least - dammit! - if no-one else)
As you say, a small studio space is a good idea for your more intimate or experimental pieces.
A good 300-600 seat drama theatre would balance it beautifully, I think.
In short, what we're looking for is a variation on Melbourne's Victorian Arts Centre, Sydney's Opera House, Adelaide's Festival Theatre, Brisbane's QPAC, etc.
On the water would be nice... location is good... the basic idea is ambitious, but not impossible.
I think it's a fabulous idea!
And in all seriousness, how does one get down and dirty in the fight to have it realised? I mean, can I call someone and offer my services in this grand quest?
as always, your devoted fubloigen,
David the Meadows.
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