The Brisbane arts welcomes the transformation of a much-loved historic theatre into a modern, sexy, creative universe.
Theatre company Ad Astra has made its grand re-entry into Brisbane's professional arts scene, opening in its new home on Petrie Terrace. The remodelled Ad Astra complex comprises four themed creative spaces, providing immersive experiences for theatregoers.
The largest space, Galaxy, is a 150-plus-seat proscenium arch theatre that has been completely renovated yet retains its historical charm. In its heyday, the stage hosted Australian creative luminaries such as Carol Burns, Barry Otto, Shane Porteous, Sigrid Thornton. Even Australia's first celebrity chef Bernard King made an appearance in his youth.
Outside, the air-conditioned foyer and open-air courtyard Cosmos offers stunning views across the hills of Brisbane through a huge picture window. This space will also be used for rehearsals, events and workshops.
Pluto
Ad Astra’s new black box theatre, Pluto, was originally a workshop that produced hundreds of sets and thousands of props over the decades. The foyer floor, covered in paint from its creative past, serves as a reminder of its history. With 44 seats, Pluto offers an intimate atmosphere where the audience feels almost part of the story. The stone wall behind the audience is carved from Brisbane tuff, formed from a volcanic eruption at Kallangur 262 million years ago.
Halley's Cottage is a 150-plus year-old workers cottage transformed into a gorgeous rehearsal, event, book reading and workshop space, complete with its original heritage fireplace.
A symbol of Brisbane’s growing cultural development, Ad Astra also shares in the city’s vibrant past. The hill where the theatre resides, Petrie Terrace, was known previously as Green Hill in colonial times and before that, was an important meeting place for First Nations people. The complex overlooks Hardgrave Park, which was gazetted in 1875 and is one of Brisbane’s earliest public reserves. The neighbouring townhouses along Petrie Terrace are among the oldest still existing in Brisbane.
“The new Ad Astra is set to become an important part of the Brisbane theatre scene,” Executive Producer Gregory J. Wilken says.
“The entire industry has been incredibly supportive, and we are excited to be able to continue to give as many professional Queensland creatives as possible, a space to showcase their talent. We will also continue with Astra Nova, our initiative to support emerging Queensland playwrights.”
Halley's Cottage
Galaxy has exploded with a spellbinding production of ‘Into The Woods’ by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, and the performances are already receiving rave reviews. Following this, Pluto will open its doors with the intimate love story ‘Frankie And Johnny in the Claire de Lune’ by Terrence McNally.
Ad Astra Creative Director Fiona Kennedy emphasises the importance of providing local creatives with opportunities to explore both Australian and international works. While Galaxy will be a mix of works from Brisbane and the across the globe, the entire season in Pluto will feature all Australian plays.
In its new home, Ad Astra is poised to become an important link in the career paths for local Queensland creatives. This new, professional theatre complex will add another layer to the already exciting Brisbane theatre scene.
Ad Astra is at 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. Galaxy opens with 'Into The Woods', 24 September-18 October. Pluto opens with 'Frankie And Johnny In The Clair de Lune', 29 October-22 November.
Ad Astra is offering all readers a 20 per cent discount on general admission adult tickets to any show. Just add ‘scenestr' at checkout.
