Independent Theatre further records, ca. 1950-1952

MLMSS 8281

fonds

ca. 1950-1952

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs

152407

0.01 metres of textual material (1 folder)

The Independent, at 269 Miller Street North Sydney, is Sydney's oldest extant Theatre. Part of the current building dates from 1886 when it was built as a cable tram terminus and depot. In 1911 the building was converted into two auditoria by North Sydney Coliseum Limited.

In 1939 the site became the home for Doris Fitton's Independent Theatre group which pioneered creative theatre in Sydney providing over 400 productions of plays ranging from Shakespeare to Noel Coward, from Anoulth and Christopher Fry to the sensational premier of Sumner Locke-Elliot's "Rusty Bugles", initiating the Australian theatre industry.

The Independent Theatre group was founded by Doris Fitton on 30 May 1930, with the object of presenting the world's best plays with a high standard of production and for the development of Australian talent in all phases of the theatre. Opening at St. James' Hall, Phillip Street, Sydney, the policy of playing regularly every Saturday night was established.

The Independent is a building of national cultural significance for the many and varied contributions to Australian theatre made from the site since 1911. Many famous Australian actors and musicians have performed at the Independent.

Reference:
Library correspondence file
The Independent - History http://theindependent.org.au/history-independent/ (accessed 22 February 2012)

Typescript copy of 'Trumbo' by B. Brooke; black and white photographs of 'Black Chiffon' by the Independent Theatre; black and white photograph from 'Dark of the Moon' by the Independent Theatre; program of State Festival of Drama, ca. 1950-1952

Copyright status:: In copyright
Approval for reproduction required:
Out of copyright: Photographs created before 1955
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012