60 years of theatre

One of Southbank’s most coveted artistic institutions celebrated its 60th birthday last month, as Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) blew out the candles on August 31.

On that date in 1953, MTC opened its first ever performance, Colombe by Jean Anouih.

The MTC was the first professional theatre company to establish itself in Australia, under founder John Sumner,

Current artistic director, Brett Sheehy said the company continued to be proud of both its heritage and the standard of theatre it continues to produce.

“The company’s commitment to the highest standard of theatre-making is as strong today as it was under John Sumner’s leadership when he established MTC as the first professional theatre company in Australia,” Mr Sheehy said.

“His vision created the model for all state theatre companies that followed,” he added.

Mr Sheehy said the company was passionate about Australian theatre and it looked forward to its future productions.

“We’re committed to telling Australian stories and supporting talented writers. From next year we’re delighted to welcome Lally Katz as the Australian Writers’ Foundation Playwright in residence based here at MTC,” Mr Sheehy said.

“Through the support of the Cybec Foundation for our annual playreadings and the John and Peter Clemenger Trust for our commissions, new Australian plays will be seen on our stages for decades to come.”