MTC-HQ: Behind the Scenes At Melbourne Theatre Company

Four pianos are backed up against the astonishing red walls in the corridor. The atmosphere is close and slightly confronting. Turning a corner, we pass rehearsal rooms. Rehearsals for Solomon and Marion are underway.

The corridor opens into a huge warehouse space. Alcoves on two levels accommodate props, a wet area, workspaces and offices. The air is cool, and it feels a little urgent. On the floor, huge boards lie flat, waiting to be of service. Over yonder tall blue scaffolding and a roller-door lead to the loading dock.

This is MTC-HQ.

Australia’s oldest professional theatre company, and one of the English world’s largest theatre companies, is celebrating its 60^th birthday. Some employees have been here for decades, representing in excess of 300 years of collective knowledge and theatre experience.

Each year Melbourne Theatre Company produces twelve major productions, an education program and season of new or independent works. For each shows, sets are designed and constructed, props found, renovated and crafted, costumes sourced and sewn, and sometimes hats, wigs, and art finishing are required. Continue reading

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Review: The Crucible (MTC)

Latchet shoes demonstrate real commitment to period costuming

Arthur Miller’s account of the “Salem Witch Trials” in colonial Massachusetts between 1692–93, is an allegorical play which points to the climate of hysteria surrounding McCarthyism in the 1950s.

The Crucible is a heavy, cheerless play, principally about, honour, power and its abuses. When Miller was called to testify before the “Un-American Activities Commission” in 1956, he was sentenced to a year in gaol for contempt of Congress, for refusing to name names. The conviction was eventually over-turned on appeal.

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