181 Regent St: Addressing Black Theatre Symposium

Presented by Sydney Festival and Carriageworks in association with ABC
Curated by Rhoda Roberts

In 1972 the National Black Theatre emerged from Regent Street, Redfern with an explosion of plays, dance, activist poetry, biting satire and street theatre, giving new voice to the struggles of the 1970s and the Redfern Aboriginal community.

During its five years of operation, this astonishing cultural renaissance spawned landmark playwrights such as Kevin Gilbert, Robert Merritt and Jack Davis, as well as the careers of remarkable actors such as Bob Maza, Lillian Crombie and Justine Saunders, cultural activist Gary Foley and director Brian Syron. 

Curator Rhoda Roberts, one of Australia's leading arts practitioners and from the first generation of actors to reap the benefits of the early years of National Black Theatre, creates a compelling program of work celebrating the past and future of black theatre in Australia.

Roberts brings together National Black Theatre alumni, leaders and two generations of artists for an extraordinary day of talks, films, play readings and lively exploration of this unique movement and its irrevocable impact on Australian culture.

This spirited and provocative event features contributions from Lydia Miller, Wesley Enoch, Ernie Dingo, Cathie Craigie, Katharine Brisbane, Wendy Blacklock and Redfern resident Mooghalin Performing Arts.

Looking back over four decades and reaching forward to the next generation of theatre makers, the 181 Regent St Symposium recaptures the exuberance, poetry, activism, humor and above all, the political power of the National Black Theatre, a momentous voice for Australian theatre in the 21st century.

Download a schedule.

Registrations for the 181 Regent St Symposium are now at capacity. However, Brook Andrew's Travelling Colony and the 181 Regent Street Exhibition are both open for public viewing at Carriageworks and bookings are not necessary.

Company/production special thanks and acknowledgements