Established in 1966, Arena is one of Australia’s longest-running producers of theatre for young people.
Arena’s longevity is a testament to our ongoing investigation of the central question “What is the role of performance for young people in today’s world?” Over almost-fifty-years the responses to this question have ranged from our modest beginnings performing school holiday shows, to our current incarnation as a leader in contemporary theatre practice.
In 2008 we launched an online history project detailing every Arena production between 1966 and 2008, based on archival materials and candid interviews with past Artistic Directors.
If you would like to read The Arena Story please email info@arenatheatre.com.au to have a copy sent to you.
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Performances
Performances reach over 55 000 people
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world premieres
14 world premieres, along with 15 return seasons of new Australian work
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local seasons
23 local seasons and 4 regional Victorian tours, including partnerships with Melbourne Theatre Company, Arts Centre Melbourne, Malthouse Theatre, Arts House, Footscray Community Arts Centre, ArtPlay and Regional Arts Victoria
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Seasons at 8 major Australian festivals - including the Melbourne Festival, Come Out Festival (Adelaide), Perth Festival and 16TH ASSSITEJ World Congress & Festival (Adelaide)
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4 international tours and creative collaborations, including IPAY in Pittsburgh, New Visions New Voices at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC and collaboration with Japanese Company Stringraphy Ensemble.
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14 interstate tours including venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Riverside Theatres Parramatta.
