The Pram Factory was an Australian alternative theatre venue in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton from around 1970 until 1981. It was home to the Australian Performing Group and Nindethana, Australia's first Aboriginal theatre group.
Building
editThe buildings in Drummond Street, Carlton, that housed the Pram Factory consisted of a former factory that made baby carriages (known as "prams", an abbreviation of "perambulator"),[1] called Paramaount, and stables. A 150-seat theatre was constructed in 1970, as a new home for the Australian Performing Group, which moved from La Mama Theatre. It expanded to a second theatre, with 75 seats, in 1973.[2][3]
Performances and activities
editIt became the site of a number activities besides stage productions, including protest meetings, and was known for its unconventional performances that were part of the "New Wave" of Australian drama. It nurtured New Left politics, comedy, popular theatre, new Australian writing, puppetry and circus.[2][3]
Plays premiered at the Pram Factory include Don's Party,[4] the satirical The Hills Family Show (1977),[5] and Pecking Orders by Phillip Motherwell (1976).[6]
Nindethana Theatre, Australia's first Aboriginal theatre company, founded by Jack Charles and Bob Maza, was founded at the Pram Factory in 1971.[7][8]
The Pram Factory is best known as the home for the Australian Performing Group.[2] Writer Helen Garner was a frequent patron at the Pram Factory before and during the writing of her seminal 1977 novel Monkey Grip, which showcased much of what was then a considerably counter-cultural, bohemian Carlton and inner-city Melbourne. Garner's former husband, Bill Garner, had been a member of the Pram Factory performance group throughout its heyday.[citation needed]
Demolition
editThe building was demolished in 1981 despite protest from the theatre community and Carlton residents. The Lygon Court shopping centre was built in its place to the designs of architect Ermin Smrekar.[9][2]
Legacy
editThe theatre had a unique and lasting influence on the cultural life of Australia, as a place where Australian talent of many kinds was nurtured, including writers, actors, film directors, theatre directors, artists, musicians, circus performers and arts administrators. Circus Oz grew out of the Pram Factory.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Lillye, Bert (11 March 1977). "Memories Revived in the Pram Factory". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ a b c d Thomson, Helen (26 June 2008). "Pram Factory". eMelbourne. University of Melbourne. School of Historical & Philosophical Studies. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ a b c "Australian Theatre History. The Australian Performing Group at the Pram Factory". The Pram Factory. Archived from the original on 10 May 2006. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Brisbane, Katharine (28 November 2011). "Despite the cultural landmarks of the past 40 years, Australian artists lack the standing they deserve". The Australian. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ Jones, Margaret (12 March 1977). "Good family show". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ "At the Pram Factory". The Age. 31 March 1976. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ^ "Nindethana". AustLit. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "Uncle Jack Charles, Red Ochre Award 2019". Australia Council.
- ^ 'Showdown Looms in Lygon Street', Norman Day, The Age 4 November 1980 p.10