Living Theatre: History and Culture of Amateur Theatre 1970-2000

Living Theatre: History and Culture of Amateur Theatre 1970-2000Living Theatre: History and Culture of Amateur Theatre 1970-2000Living Theatre: History and Culture of Amateur Theatre 1970-2000






An Oral history project

Through the lens of artistic individualism this is a study of an artist's life experiences, style and personal vision as shown in their creative work featuring authenticity and originality over conformity to trends or societal expectations. The study aims to highlight the artist's world values, creating something distinctly one's own, and fostering a deeper connection with others through a genuine and unique perspective. As Grele (2010) says oral history is about autobiographical practice rather than a social survey technique, for it recovers the past and through doing so challenges historical knowledge. It also expands the meaning of history. It is a shift from a concern with data to a concern with text.

Compiled from oral histories recorded in 2025 this study examines  the work of creative artists discussing  their lives making creative work on the margins of Australian theatre from 1970 to 2000. The study is an initiative off Robyn Roylance for her PHD submission. 

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 Robyn and Madonna discuss working together in student theatre in the 1970s. At that time amateur theatre was an important part of teacher education and  part of the push for professional theatre funded by government. Madonna became A/Prof Madonna Stinson with Griffith University.   Robyn Roylance ran her own pro-am theatre company in Brisbane and Hobart. Through theatre each expressed their unique vision of personal creative work.


Mark Moore talks about navigating challenges, exploring varied ways of self expression, and expressing his unique voice. He explores his work in amateur theatre and discusses expanding into  different mediums, subjects and ideas. 

Anne and Sharon from Piccolo Productions describe their interest in entertainment and music education for young people. Their vision has shaped in their work in musical theatre.

Cam believed that his creative work referenced social ideals such as social justice and compassion.  He acknowledged a sense of pessimism and disillusionment in the world of theatre, over time. 

Cam believed that his creative work referenced social ideals such as social justice and compassion.  He acknowledged a sense of pessimism and disillusionment in the world of theatre, over time. 

Video

Mark Moore talks about navigating challenges, exploring varied ways of self expression, and expressing his unique voice. He explores his work in amateur theatre and discusses expanding into  different mediums, subjects and ideas.Check out this great video

Oral history participants

Madonna Stinson

A/Prof Madonna Stinson

A/Prof Madonna Stinson

A/Prof Madonna Stinson

researcher, lecturer, director, writer, performer

Dr Richard Roylance

A/Prof Madonna Stinson

A/Prof Madonna Stinson

Paedeatrican, National Chairperson of the Churchill Scholarship Foundation 

David Salleh Warren

A/Prof Madonna Stinson

David Salleh Warren

Community theatre performer 

Nicholas Leahy

Sharon Lee Martin

David Salleh Warren

Community theatre director, educator 

Cameron Watt

Sharon Lee Martin

Sharon Lee Martin

Pro-Am performer, public servant

Sharon Lee Martin

Sharon Lee Martin

Sharon Lee Martin

Secondary teacher, writer, performer, singer

Mark Moore

Dr Simon Fraser

Dr Simon Fraser

Public servant, community performer

Bango the Mango Tree

Dr Simon Fraser

Dr Simon Fraser

Dr Simon Fraser

Paedetrician, community performer


Anne Roylance

Dr Simon Fraser

Ian Christophis

Teacher, playwright, performer, musician

Ian Christophis

Ian Christophis

Ian Christophis

Business entrepreneur, computer scientist, student theatre actor

Therese Collie

Ian Christophis

Therese Collie

Popular Theatre actor, political activist, director and writer

Leonie Oakes

Ian Christophis

Therese Collie

Visual artist, TAFE teacher

Examples of theatre undertaken by Participants

A Collaborative Project by Robyn Roylance and Red Thread Stories, at the Queensland Theatre Company's Rehearsal Rooms, Brisbane

Musical Work by Anne Roylance and Sharonlee Martin

Hello

Process Drama and language

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Video

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An Artist's Lecture

A suggested New York performance by Kate Gaul

Collection point

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