Rebuild La Mama fundraising effort launched

On Sunday 19 May , the La Mama Theatre community commemorated one year since the devastating fire that ravaged the beloved Melbourne institution. It will also be an opportunity to look toward the future at a special event which will launch ‘Rebuild La Mama’; a public fundraising effort to support the build of La Mama’s new home at the original Carlton site.

La Mama Theatre is nationally and internationally acknowledged as a crucible for cutting edge, contemporary theatre since 1967. An early stomping ground for many of Australia’s most acclaimed actors and performers including Cate Blanchett, David Williamson, Julia Zemiro and Judith Lucy, La Mama is a way in for those starting out, a creative home for established artists and makers, and an open door for theatre makers at all levels from all walks of life.

Longtime artistic Director and CEO, Liz Jones says, “One year on from that disastrous Saturday in May 2018 we are calling on our beloved La Mama community to rebuild La Mama with us. To rebuild in a way that honours our history, facilitates our future and most importantly restores our very special, very intimate performance space. Thankfully we were insured and we have received substantial support from the Victorian government and our philanthropic sector, but we still need further support to finish the rebuild. Generous community support will insure that La Mama has a dynamic, diverse and all inclusive future. Rebuild La Mama, VIVA LA MAMA!!’

Despite the setback of the fire, La Mama is still very much alive and kicking with a successful 2018 season held at satellite venues, and an exciting program already underway for 2019. Highlights include: The Honouring a debut solo performed and created by Kurtjar dancer Jack Sheppard; Them by award-winning playwright Samah Sabawi, RECIPROCO/Reciprocal a unique installation pairing Italian Australian artists with visiting Italian artists in iconic Carlton venues; When the Light Leaves, a play tackling the personal and public challenges of legalised assisted dying; plus the return of much-loved La Mama alums Richard Murphet, Daniel Keene, Jenny Kemp, Tess Lyssiotis, Max Gillies, Bagryana Popov, Jack Hibberd and more.

Iconic Australian playwright David Williamson says of La Mama, “This little theatre, since its creation in the sixties … has been a powerhouse generator of new Australian performance talent. It’s nurtured countless talented writers, directors, actors and designers … from the very start it has welcomed new talent and allowed that talent to take risks, find its feet, sometimes fail, but sometimes reveal … something about to transform our understanding of what’s possible in theatre.”

Award-winning playwright and founder of Melbourne Workers Theatre, Patricia Cornelius says, “La Mama is, and has been for a long time, the most important theatrical hub in Melbourne. Without La Mama there would be no grass roots support for the development of new work in Victoria. There would be no venue to nurture theatrical experimentation. There would be no place for new and undiscovered theatre makers to produce their work with support. And nowhere for experienced playwrights to return to rediscover the intimacy of playing in small and demanding venues or to create works that are edgy and tough.”

Requiring a complete rebuild, plans for the new La Mama home are well underway with the intention to restore the original building but also make important improvements; in particular ensuring La Mama is an accessible space at all levels. The rebuild plans include a modest, inclusive new building which will allow La Mama to revitalise its role as a hub for independent artists – support that is crucial in this time of increased pressure.

Meg White , the architect engaged to lead the design of the new theatre, has a longstanding relationship and shared vision with La Mama, ensuring that the original spirit of La Mama will not be lost. As well as being an architect, Meg has worked with La Mama as a designer and performer for more than 25 years. She says, “Like old La Mama, the design of new La Mama is simple and restrained. Ornamentation only resides in the elements that are engaged with; the doors, windows and shutters. The theatre is in the everyday… the architecture aims to respect and support the multitude of daily activities of this little village… the design desires to speak to La Mama’s philosophical stance of being open, open to all.”

La Mama acknowledges the generous $1 million dollar contribution toward the rebuild from the Victorian State Labor Government. La Mama is now calling on its valued community – from audience members and Carlton locals to everyone who appreciates theatre nationally – to help raise the last $1.25 million to get them to the finish line.

La Mama is calling upon the community to raise funds from 19 May–30 June 2019. Donations can be made at lamama.com.au/supportlamama