LA MAMA — A MUCH LOVE INSTITUTION
La Mama — a much-loved institution- part of what defines Melbourne culturally.
In June 1978, as a very young and aspiring director, I had arranged to meet with La Mama’s manager to discuss details for the forthcoming production of Colin Ryan’s “Esther”. I asked the brightly dressed woman inside the small building where the theatre was. Liz Jones’ replied: “You’re standing in it”. Little did I know that La Mama would feature prominently in my artistic life for many years to come. I became familiar with every inch of the place, painting the walls and I even slept upstairs one night during a tight bump in. I remember the feral cats, the wooden stairs, the aromas from the next door cafe, not to mention the sound of crashing bottles. The small space challenged my imagination many times over.
From 1978 to 2008, I directed over 40 productions and play readings at La Mama, it grew to be my home away home. I also witnessed the destruction of the infamous apricot tree and leisured in the aura of brewing coffee and roaring fire. I never won a raffle though! La Mama gave me more opportunities to grow and express that anything else ever did. I don’t know about you, but when you grow up in a place so familiar, loved and so metamorphic it remains with you always. I am so saddened and devastated to learn of La Mama’s terrible fire. It is hard to find the words to say to Liz, Lloyd, Maureen, and all the others there who have contributed much of their creative life to this much-loved theatre. My love, respect, and regards go out to them all.
“And just as the Phoenix
rose from the ashes.
she too will rise.
Returning from the flames,
clothed in nothing but her strength,
more beautiful than ever before…”
