Indicative designs have been revealed for the proposed rebuild of the La Mama Theatre in Melbourne’s Carlton, a year on from the fire that ravaged the building.
The non-profit theatre, which was established in 1967, burnt down on 19 May 2018 after an electrical fault sparked a fire. The venue hosted independent and experimental productions and has over the past year continued to put on shows at satellite events around Melbourne.
Architect Meg White, who has had a 25-year-long involvement with the theatre as a set designer and performer, said her design would keep to the spirit of the original building – a straightforward brick building that was adapted for use as a theatre by Carlton architect George S. Clarke. The now-derelict theatre was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its cultural, social and architectural significance.
Illustrative design of the La Mama rebuild by Cottee Parker Architects.
Image: Cottee Parker Architects.
“Like old La Mama, the design of new La Mama is simple and restrained,” she said. “Ornamentation only resides in the elements that are engaged with: the doors, windows and shutters. The theatre is in the every-day.”
“The architecture aims to respect and support the multitude of daily activities of this little village… The design desires to speak to La Mama’s philosophical stance of being open; open to all.”
The designs, which are have been unveiled to coincide with the start of a fundraising drive by the theatre to fund the project. More information on that effort can be found here.
