Having stood derelict for 20 years, the burnt remains of
Redfern’s old Black Theatre now belong to the Indigenous Land Corporation
(ILC).
The new building will be a three-storey commercial
development that will provide benefits and opportunities to the Aboriginal
community.
In 1972, the Black Theatre was an old warehouse, leased from
the Uniting Church. It was then renovated and
developed into a theatre and studio area. Many well-known activists and artists
from the Redfern indigenous community were involved in productions there.
The theatre gave many people the chance to express their
political beliefs through performance as well as providing a gathering space
for the community.
Millie Ingram was
an Aboriginal activist in Redfern in the early 1970s. She used to spend time at
the Black Theatre and went to see the productions.
“It was really good because in those days it started to
showcase Aboriginal art and Aboriginal dramatic art,” she said.
However, with a lack of funding and with those involved
having many commitments, gradually the Black Theatre gave way to other more
pressing concerns such as the battles for reconciliation and land rights.
By 1977, the Black Theatre was no longer operating. It was
used for a variety of other purposes, including a preschool, before eventually
falling into disrepair.
The site was under the jurisdiction of ATSIC until the
commission was abolished in 2005. Now in the hands of the ILC and $8 million is
being spent to redevelop it.
Although the Black Theatre was only in existence for five
years, that identity has remained with the building.
Today, Ms Ingram is the CEO of Wyanga
Aboriginal Aged Care Services, next
door to the old Black Theatre.
She is also a member of a committee to create a new national
black theatre company. She hopes that the new building – which at this stage
has a vacant floor – may be used for this purpose.
“lf you had a theatre in Paddington or Balmain it would
not have the same significance. It could be something really significant
because of the site itself and because of the high profile Redfern has,”
she said.
Eric Roberts, media liaison officer for the ILC, said there
has been extensive community consultation over what to do with the site because
of its history.
When it is completed, the third floor will house a radio
station and recording studios for Gadigal
Information Services, broadcaster for Koori Radio.
The ground floor will be occupied by retail and a small
exhibition devoted to the site’s history.
What the middle floor will be used for has not yet been
decided.
Work on the building is expected to be completed by March
2008.
Source: University
of Technology Precinct
South Sydney Edition Issue 4/2007 page 19.
Publications from the UTS School of Journalism can be
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