Wednesday 24 June 2009

Performing Arts - the Companies (3)


The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is where many of the performing companies have their rehearsal rooms as well as their administrative offices. The Sydney Dance Company generally performs in either the Opera House or the Theatre Royal. Until recently it was led by the legendary Graeme Murphy who is now creating shows for both the Australian Ballet (based at the Opera House) and Opera Australia (also based at the OH but with rooms down near Central Station).


The Sydney Theatre Company was given a massive filip last year when the reins were taken over by Andrew Upton and his wife, Cate Blanchett. On Saturday just gone, I was in the audience for "Elling" in the smallish Wharf 1 theatre. It was great fun. However, the hightlight of my drama-year will be when I see Her-Cate-ness as Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' "Street Car named Desire". This will be performed at a relatively new theatre which is on the other side of Hickson Road to the Wharves: The Sydney Theatre. This is a marvellous building and one of many in Sydney where it is impossible to get a bad seat!


To put all this into perspective, here is our lovely "coat-hanger" and the wharves span out from it like so many fingers! This shot was taken from the Walsh Bay ferry stop. Sydney people are fundamentally formed by this harbour: it infuses the hedonism deep within our psychological makeup.

9 comments:

Clueless in Boston said...

The theaters sound wonderful. I'm sure her "Cate-ness" will be stupendous as Blanche DuBois. Lucky you. I hope you will be able to sneak a snap or two.

Lois said...

I am so jealous! That is one of my favorites and I know it will be wonderful with Cate as Blanche.

brattcat said...

It feels so long until September but soon enough you'll be in that lovely theater when the house lights go down and the stage lights go up on Blanchett's Blanche.

Ann said...

Lucky you. I haven't been to either the Wharf or the Sydney Theatre. I have been wondering whether I should try and pick up a ticket for Pericles (Marcus Graham), if there are any left. Then I remind myself I am going o/s soon and shouldn't be spending.

DelBoy said...

See what happens when you visit Sydney without a tour guide - I didn't even know about these theatres (and photo opps)!

As always, a great shot of your 'coat-hanger'!

Fiona said...

Cate plus Streetcar - ultimate combination!

Joan Elizabeth said...

I agree that Sydney people are formed by the harbour. Reminds me that at this time last year I was living down that end of town and taking it in during my evening strolls.

AB said...

Nice iconic bridge. There is one extremely similar in my home town, Newcastle, England. The area near the bridge in Newcastle has also recently become a major centre for theatre and the arts in general.

Julie said...

Yes, I have seeb that bridge on Newcastle blogs. It is quite similar.

I knew you were from England ... I can now hear you!!