State Theatre Centre of Western Australia officially opened

The Governor of Western Australia His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC and Premier Colin Barnett officially opened the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia at a civic ceremony on 27th January. The Premier said the opening of the centre was a defining moment in the cultural history of the State and represented a new era for performing arts in Western Australia with the completion of the first fully funded professional theatre in Perth through the State Government.

“Not only will the State Theatre Centre be an inspiring venue for performers and audiences, it is also an elegant architectural and civic landmark for the city,” Mr Barnett said. “It will create a sense of place and identity in the Perth Cultural Centre and contribute to Perth’s regeneration. It is a venue of which all West Australians can rightly be proud.”

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said: “This is an exceptional venue for West Australians that will support the best local, national and international contemporary performing arts.” Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the centre features state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including the Heath Ledger Theatre and the flexible performance space, Studio Underground. Exhibits from the WA Museum’s 2012 exhibition about Heath Ledger’s life, including the 2009 Best Supporting Actor Oscar statuette and the costume from Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight, were loaned to the State Theatre Centre for the opening celebrations.

The opening of the theatre was celebrated with two gala performances on 29th January featuring influential WA performing artists, and an Open Day for the public on Sunday, 30th January. The first ticketed performances in the Heath Ledger Theatre and Studio Underground will be during the Perth International Arts Festival which opens on 11th February.