Publications
THA regularly publishes original research into Australian theatre history, both in print and online via the On Stage Magazine.
THA regularly publishes original research into Australian theatre history, both in print and online via the On Stage Magazine.
THA maintains an ever increasing collection of digitised assets including rare books, theatre programs, archival images, audio and film.
IMAGE: Is Zat So? Act 3. Book 1, J.C.W Scene Books. Digitised by Theatre Heritage Australia, 2016
THA holds regular events throughout the year including industry talks and theatre and backstage tours. Events are generally free but booking is required. Click here to see what's coming up.
DIGITAL COLLECTION
Comprising some 1600 portraits of theatrical and other celebrities, The Falk Album was probably compiled in the late 1890s. The Falk Album was digitised by Theatre Heritage Australia in 2019.
Image: Sarah Bernhardt, 1891. Falk 010/7, Falk Album, Nick Henderson Collection, Digitised by Theatre Heritage Australia, 2019
DIGITAL COLLECTION
Working as a senior stagehand for J.C. Williamson Ltd during the 1940s and 50s, Les Thorp captured footage of the stars and the shows with his 8mm film camera. This rare footage has been made available to THA by his grandson Paul Worsnop.
Image: Let's Face It. Les Thorp Collection.
DIGITAL COLLECTION
Between 2014–2016, THA undertook a program of digitisation of Scene Books from the J.C. Williamson collection held by Scenic Studios, Preston. The books provide a rare account of theatrical productions staged in Australia between the 1890s and 1930s.
Image: The New Moon. Act 1, Sc. 2. Book 1, J.C.W Scene Books. Digitised by Theatre Heritage Australia, 2016
DIGITAL COLLECTION
The John Riley/Fred Hailes Scrapbook was compiled between the 1830s and 1917 by at least two people, circus performer John Riley (c.1819-1911), and journalist Fred Hailes (c.1852-1917). Digitised by THA in 2016.
Image: The Riley/Hailes Scrapbook, Digitised by Theatre Heritage Australia, 2016
BOOK
In 2019, Theatre Heritage Australia undertook a major digitisation project of The Falk Album. In 2020 we produced a limited edition book to highlight this extraordinary collection.
AUDIO COLLECTION
In 2022, Theatre Heritage Australia will begin a new Oral History program, with a view to creating a specialist resource for performing arts researchers, including theatre historians, arts journalists, educators and students.
The online magazine of Theatre Heritage Australia
By making a tax deductible donation you can help to preserve our theatre history for generations to come.
Theatre Heritage Australia is a registered charity (CAV Association No. A0052375A). All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Got a question? Got an item of interest? Want to become a volunteer? There are lots of ways to get involved!
Background image: JCW Scene Book, Book 01, The Desert Song. His Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne (1928–9). Digitised by Theatre Heritage Australia 2016
Beryl Davis is recognised nationally for establishing Queensland’s Performing Arts Museum (QPAM) at Queensland Performing Arts Centre. QPAM is one of a network of museums and collections including Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne, Performing Arts Collection of South Australia, Adelaide Festival Centre, and Museum of Performing Arts, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth.
Beryl joined Queensland Performing Arts Centre in 1984 her brief being to create an inspiring foyer exhibition program as part of the Centre’s opening celebrations in 1985. Her inaugural project Diaghilev’s Designers showcased Ballet Russes costumes from National Gallery of Australia.
Further exhibitions followed including A Slap-Up Treat: Travelling Shakespeare in Australia, 2006, Mary and Me: Mary Poppins and Her Creator P.L. Travers, 2011, La Stupenda & Friends, 2012 and Page to Stage: Costume Design for Performance, 2013.
The Museum had begun collecting in 1985 under Beryl’s leadership and today it numbers in excess of 80,000 items documenting Queensland’s performing arts history. Beryl was excited and proud to acquire costumes from the auction of the Collection of Dame Joan Sutherland in 1995 from the Australian tour of Lucia Di Lammermoor and La Traviata,1965.
All of this work was achieved by Beryl with a small team of two. Collaborating with designer and curator Christopher Smith, the pair achieved miracles. Initially working within foyers of the Centre, the exhibition program flourished when it moved into the Tony Gould Gallery in theatrically designed environments.
Beryl played an active role in the sector especially associated with the establishment of the Performing Arts Special Interest Group (now known as Performing Arts Heritage Network) of Australian Museums and Galleries Association.
A wonderful colleague and friend Beryl will be missed by the performing arts and museums sector in which she played a pivotal role.
In 2005 Beryl was awarded an OAM for service to the arts, particularly through the establishment and management of the Queensland Performing Arts Museum.