Old Tote Theatre Company

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The Old Tote Theatre Company (1963-1978) began as the standing acting and theatre company of Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and was the precursor to the Sydney Theatre Company.[1]

Old Tote began in the tin shed theatre (now known as the Figtree Theatre) on the campus of University of New South Wales in Sydney. It went on to occupy the Drama Theatre of the Sydney Opera House from 1973 to 1978. In its last few years, it was fraught with financial trouble due to insufficient support from the Government of New South Wales. It also toured some of the shows around Australia, including Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead to the Canberra Theatre Centre.

Many distinguished and much loved actors, such as Ruth Cracknell, Ron Haddrick, Neil Fitzpatrick, Jacki Weaver, John Bell, Dinah Shearing, Helmut Bakaitis, Robyn Nevin, Elizabeth Alexander, Reg Livermore, Dennis Olsen, Gary Files and Jennifer Hagan, appeared in more than 90 productions of the classics and contemporary plays from the international repertoire.[2] Jim Sharman became interested in directing experimental theatre and he soon made a name for himself in Sydney with his groundbreaking productions at the Old Tote Theatre Company. Richard Wherrett, also directed productions for the Old Tote Theatre Company.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Founding of Sydney Theatre Company, accessed 20 April 2007
  2. ^ The NIDA Paper Archive Collection, accessed 20 April 2007
  • Josephine South , Harry Scott. (1973). Ten on the Tote : an illustrated history of the Old Tote Theatre Company to celebrate its tenth anniversary, 1963-1973. Kensington, N.S.W. : Old Tote Theatre Company. ISBN 0-95-992840-5. 
  • Philip Parsons, Victoria Chance (Ed.) (1995). Companion to theatre in Australia. Sydney : Currency Press in association with Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-86-819357-7. 
  • Colin Bachali (1998). Jane St Theatre : Australian play season 1966 - 1977. Sydney : Katoomba, N.S.W. : Colin Bachali. ISBN 0-64-632652-X. 
  • Jacki Weaver (2005). Much love, Jac x. Crows Nest, N.S.W. : Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-74114-618-6. 

[edit] External links

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