THE Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre could be in line for a long overdue refurbishment if a blueprint for arts and culture in the 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy gains momentum.
The strategy – released by Infrastructure South Australia this week – has called on the government to invest in major arts infrastructure across South Australia.
It follows a submission by Country Arts SA during the strategy’s formulation, proposing a planned approach to the ongoing renewal of South Australia’s regional arts centres.
Built in 1984, the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre was among the regional centres listed that require funding to rejuvenate the facility and address critical building issues.
Highlighting the ageing aesthetics of the building, theatre manager Frank Morello welcomed the acknowledgment the centre needed an upgrade.
“Times move on, things evolve, how we consume entertainment and how we communicate has changed and we need to evolve as an arts centre – we need something contemporary in an infrastructure sense that also reflects the diversity of our community,” he said.
“This arts centre is 36 years old and it’s great there’s been a recognition that it does need to be upgraded over time and that’s on the back of the fact we have been building and cultivating an arts community.”
Mr Morello said it was built during a time where there was no consideration given to certain areas that are now included in many contemporary arts centres.
“These theatres are 500-seat auditoriums and that’s pretty much it – there’s no breakout rooms, there’s no spaces for intimate performances,” he said.
“That’s changed, people want breakout rooms and you need those smaller more intimate spaces, so it will be great to have things like that included if we were successful in obtaining some funding.”
While stressing the theatre was still a fantastic facility that attracts more than 35,000 people per year, he said future funding would definitely be welcomed
“People love coming to the theatre – with respect to what we produce on stage, it is fantastic, we have some great shows from across the globe and across the nation,” he said.
“In our content it is terrific, it is just the infrastructure that needs upgraded to reflect modern standards and make it fit for purpose.
“This is an industry that contributes so much to not just the economy, but also people’s well-being and the acknowledgment in the strategy is a reflection of the great work that has been done throughout the state.”
