Author: Rod Mitchell
As a long-term resident, I have watched the ebb and flow of St Kilda – at times pumping with atmosphere and now looking sadly neglected. Whatever the economic tide, St Kilda has always been at the centre of bohemian culture, the arts, writers, and life on the edge.
One of the few constants in this “arts focused” suburb has been the National Theatre. As well as being a registered heritage building, it is the home of ballet and drama. Its contribution not only to St Kilda, but also to the Victorian arts cannot be underestimated. As well on its books when productions are under way, are over 100 people that can be called on for part time work.
As I walk through the adjacent park for my morning coffee, there is always a throb of activity, whether it be young school kids getting ready for their first audition or performers in costumes lining up at the entrances for rehearsal.
At night pre Covid, there were cars parked for 100’s of metres belonging to patrons and proud parents watching their children performing on stage. This institution over a
century has silently borne witness for the tens of thousands of young people who have had their first real taste of the arts within its walls.
And here lies the question: What would happen if such a venue for economic reasons ceased to exist; not just for patrons, but also being the nurturing ground for aspiring dance and drama students? Who in these days would or could fill that void?
The heritage building urgently needs better lighting and external renovation to show case this wonderful community asset. As St Kilda is also going through a drug and graffiti scourge, better lighting would assist in protecting this asset and ensure greater safety to patrons and performers.
Assistance to the National Theatre, would have an economic benefit, meaning our currently decimated local economy, especially the restaurant scene would be given a badly needed boost. For example, the financial ability to stage some free or low-cost productions would draw patrons from well outside the City of Port Phillip. As we are all aware, a better local economy reduces the cost of crime and brings revenue back to the community including taxation revenues generated by increased economic activity.
So, when we hear Councilors, chest beating about $300,000 for pop up art or another $300,000 to fund musicians that have an investable life span of only 12 months, how about investing money in an institution that ensures that the National will still stand a further 100 years from now?
