The Governor of Western Australia His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC and Premier Colin Barnett today officially opened the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia at a civic ceremony.
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 ceremony formally commemorating 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 the centre would present works that would challenge, entertain and inspire audiences.
"This is an exceptional venue for West Australians that will support the best local, national and international contemporary performing arts," Mr Day said.
"Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the centre features state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including the impressive Heath Ledger Theatre and the flexible performance space, Studio Underground."
The civic ceremony is the first in a series of celebrations to mark the opening of the State Theatre Centre and was hosted by well-known Australian actor William McInnes who studied his craft at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
A Welcome to Country by Noongar elders, Dr Richard Walley and Aunty May was given, and a Theatre Ode written by theatre historian Ivan King to commemorate the opening of the centre, was performed by respected WA actor, Michael Loney.
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; and the portrait of the actor by Vincent Fantauzzo that won the 2008 People's Choice Archibald Prize, were loaned to the State Theatre Centre for the opening celebrations.
On Saturday, January 29, 2011, 1,000 guests will take part in the first official performances at the centre with two gala celebrations.
West Australians will get an opportunity to step inside the new centre at 'O' Day on Sunday, January 30, 2011 when people can tour the venue for free as part of a number of events being held in the Perth Cultural Centre to celebrate the official opening of the State Theatre Centre.
Free activities will be held from 10am to 4pm during 'O' Day, including children's rides, roving entertainment, artisan markets and special exhibitions and activities at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA Museum and State Library of Western Australia.
The first ticketed performances in the Heath Ledger Theatre and Studio Underground will be during the Perth International Arts Festival.
Premier's office - 9222 9475
Culture and the Arts Minister's office - 9213 6600
