The state government has ruled the auditorium Spare Parts Puppet Theatre leases from them is unsafe, forcing the organisation to cancel its upcoming shows.
The state government has ruled the auditorium Spare Parts Puppet Theatre leases from them is unsafe due to unstable water-damaged walls, forcing the organisation to cancel its upcoming shows.
In a statement to supporters from artistic director Philip Mitchell, Spare Parts said the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries had advised the organisation of the issues last week.
It said the news meant its upcoming seasons of The Secret Garden, due to start on September 24, and Hare Brain had to be cancelled.
“At this stage, our priority is to ensure the wellbeing of everyone who works with us and to create the best possible conditions for our artistic work to continue,” the statement said.
“We are working with the department on a temporary solution to resume our performance program as soon as possible.”
It also asked for supporters to write to Arts Minister David Templeman to commit $10 million to completely rebuild the theatre on the site the organisation has occupied since 1987.
A spokesperson for the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries said it was impossible to fix the building, which was a public safety risk with unstable water-damaged walls.
"Given the structural concerns the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has decided to close the Short Street auditorium that it leases to Spare Parts Puppet Theatre to protect the health and safety of staff, performers, and venue attendees as well as the general public," the spokesperson said.
"We recognise the decision has a significant impact on those involved in this valued culture and arts organisation, its audiences and other users of the building.
"However, there was no other option – the Short Street auditorium could not remain open in its current condition.
"The State Government is working with the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and its stakeholders to find alternative accommodation including offering financial assistance.
"The DLGSC will fully support the theatre to deal with the challenges created by the closure and assist it to continue to provide programs and activities."
Spare Parts' Mr Mitchell told Business News he was hoping the state government would commit the $10 million needed to rebuild Spare Parts’ Fremantle theatre at its original Short Street site but estimated this would take at least three or four years.
He said the organisation could be agile over the next few months but had planned its work until 2026 and needed some assurance they would have a temporary homebase.
Spare Parts’ remote and regional school tours, artistic training programs, workshops for children and its international and national event program will continue as planned.
The organisation took out several awards at the Performing Arts WA Awards last night, including best mainstage theatre production.
