Newcastle New Theatre records, 1957-1979

MLMSS 8777

fonds

1957-1979

Textual Records, Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs, Drawings

153686

1.4 metres of textual material (8 boxes)

New Theatre was founded in 1932 and is now the oldest continually producing theatre company in New South Wales. The theatre began in Pitt Street Sydney as The Sydney Workers' Art Club and in 1936 both the Sydney and Melbourne groups adopted new names, Sydney’s being Sydney's New Theatre League. In 1945 the name was shortened to New Theatre. In September 1956, a committee of New Theatre devotees established Newcastle New Theatre which began with ‘Reedy River’ early in 1957. Many of Newcastle New Theatre productions replicated those of Sydney New Theatre, but they also produced others and devised their own revues. In 1973, Newcastle Workers Club took over their theatre, leading to instability and the lack of a permanent home. The last production of Newcastle New Theatre was in 1979.

Reference:
Compiled from the collection

Newcastle New Theatre records, 1957-1979, including playscripts (typescript and published) including ‘Childermass’ by Thomas Keneally and ‘The Legend of King O’Malley’ by Michael Body and Bob Ellis. Also includes production scripts heavily amended and annotated with lighting and sound cues, gestures and stage directions. Includes playfolders relating to all plays performed till 1972 containing photographs, set designs, programmes, advertising, costume design and reviews. Also includes a complete collection of Newcastle New Theatre newsletter, a history of the theatre, list of office bearers, list of productions, film nights and poetry nights.

BOX 1
Newcastle New Theatre plays A-L, 1957-1972

BOX 2
Newcastle New Theatre plays N-R, 1957-1972

BOX 3
Newcastle New Theatre plays O-Z, revue scripts and one act plays, 1957-1972

BOX 4
Newcastle New Theatre production scripts, 1957-1971

BOX 5
Newcastle New Theatre play folders, 1957-1962

BOX 6
Newcastle New Theatre play folders, 1963-1972

BOX 7
Newcastle New Theatre newsletters, short history, list of office bearers, constitution

BOX 8
Miscellaneous printed material, 1957-1970’s

Copyright status:: In copyright -- This collection has multiple rights owners
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2012-2013