History

Located on Faraday Street near the intersection of Lygon Street in Carlton, the La Mama theatre building was constructed in 1883 for local printer, Anthony Reuben Ford. Throughout its colourful history, the building has served as an electrical engineering workshop as well as a boot and underwear factory. The building is now recognised by the National Trust for its significance as a theatre and its precinct has State Heritage Listing.

La Mama was established by Betty Burstall in 1967 as a playwright’s theatre, “a place where new ideas, new ways of expression can be tried out; a place where you can hear what people are thinking and feeling” (Jones, Liz with Betty Burstall and Helen Garner, 1988). Her point of inspiration was the off-off Broadway scene, especially Ellen Stewart’s La MaMa ETC, New York.

At a time when the production of new Australian plays was almost non-existent, La Mama facilitated the development of Australian theatre by providing a low financial risk model that supported innovation and enabled artists to explore new ways of expression. The first play performed at La Mama was entitled Three Old Friends, a work by new Australian writer, Jack Hibberd.

Flourishing through the 1970s, La Mama became synonymous with the production of new Australian works and its foundation marked the emergence of a distinctly Australian style of theatre, nurturing theatre-makers, composers, poets, and filmmakers as well as providing a seeding ground for new writing.

After working as both an artist and staff member since 1973, Liz Jones began as Artistic Director and Administrator in 1976, continuing the legacy of La Mama through to the present day.

Since it’s inception, La Mama has staged over 1800 new works and has provided welcome opportunities to artists such as David Williamson, Barry Dickins, John Romeril, Tes Lyssiotis, Lloyd Jones, Arthur and Corinne Cantrill, Judith Lucy, Richard Frankland, Julia Zemiro, and Cate Blanchett to name but a few.

Built upon a rich history, having played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of Australia, La Mama remains a hub for the artistic community and continues to produce an exciting program of vibrant new works for today’s audience.