Help Keep Inner West Independent Theatre Alive

Support Local Stages in Marrickville, Newtown, and Beyond

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The Inner West is Sydney’s Bohemia; an exciting microcosm of diversity, creativity, and innovative thought and pursuit. However, this artistic vibrancy is under threat. Where once there were dozens of performance spaces in the area, only a handful remain. 

Grace Barr

It isn’t easy to keep a small, independent theatre running. Many of them rely on a team of dedicated volunteers and art-loving financial donors, and of course, regular ticket sales. 

With big commercial shows playing at Sydney’s multitude of large, well-funded venues, the competition for audience interest and audience dollar is tough. Those big theatres have big marketing budgets, so it’s hard for the little guys to even get seen or heard. 

Yet, it is imperative that independent theatres, and their shows, do get seen and heard. They provide a whole lot more than just quirky, avant-garde entertainment. 

Indie theatres are spaces where new works and new writers can be trialled. Students and amateur performers, directors, and crew can gain experience and develop their craft. 

Why Independent Theatre is Vital for the Inner West

Indie theatres are great for people who don’t necessarily want a career in the industry, but would like to explore their creativity or just be part of a community. Most of these theatres make use of otherwise defunct or impractical spaces such as old warehouses, sheds, and disused industrial buildings. 

Independent theatres tend to be in urban areas, so they are great for locals who don’t want to or can’t travel, and the tickets are much more affordable, which means low-income people can enjoy the arts too. 

Where larger theatres tend to play it safe with their shows, independent theatres can take risks and experiment. They provide an important creative outlet for marginal communities, including LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, Indigenous, cultural, religious, and subcultural groups. They also allow edgy, political, and subversive works to get seen, which is especially vital in a world that is becoming increasingly oppressive. 

So what can you do? 

Birdland at New Theatre

Kate Bookalil from Inner West Drama/Flight Path Theatre offered some words of advice that are applicable to any independent theatre. 

“Community support for independent theatre can be the difference between your local theatre surviving or closing down. 

We understand that times are tough economically and that is why we have a policy of keeping ticket prices as affordable as possible. (We would also never turn someone away who really wants to see a show at Flight Path Theatre and cannot afford it.) 

Flight Path Theatre does not have any ongoing funding at this stage, so having our community book tickets, leave us reviews, drop in and say hi, spread the news about upcoming productions and make sure all their friends know we’re here has a huge impact on our viability as a performance space. 

The best advertising for a production is always word of mouth. A personal recommendation is worth so much, so the two best things you can do to help support Flight Path Theatre are book tickets to see a show and if you love it, tell everyone about it.”

Your Local Independent Inner West Theatres:

• Flight Path Theatre: 9b/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville - flightpaththeatre.org

• Red Rattler: 6 Faverhsam St, Marrickville - Redrattler.org

• Hellenic Art Theatre: 36/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville - hellenicarttheatre.com.au

• New Theatre: 542 King St, Newtown - newtheatre.org.au