- THEATRE 180 granted almost $150,000 in funding to take its 'The Lighthouse Girl Saga' show to regional Western Australia
- Production combines live theatre and cinema screen vision for a unique immersive experience loved by thousands of audience members so far
- Cook Government committed to supporting arts and culture and ensuring it can be experienced across the State
A unique stage production combining live theatre and cinematography will be experienced by more audiences across Western Australia thanks to $149,712 from the State Government.
Mount Hawthorn-based THEATRE 180 is receiving a 2024-25 Arts Strategic Initiative Program grant via the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC). The funding will be used to take 'The Lighthouse Girl Saga' to regional WA after a string of sold-out performances across Perth, and strong demand from regional venues.
'The Lighthouse Girl Saga' is by two of Western Australia's leading, award-winning playwrights Jenny Davis OAM and Hellie Turner. It is based on four award-winning novels by WA writer Dianne Wolfer ('Lighthouse Girl', 'Light Horse Boy', 'In the Lamplight' and 'The Last Light Horse'). The show is billed as a love story set during wartime, capturing the ANZAC spirit.
THEATRE 180's CineStage productions combine projected audio visuals on screen with live theatrical performance on stage creating an immersive experience in cinemas, found spaces and traditional theatres. 'The Lighthouse Girl Saga' was the first production in this format and is award-winning. Other shows include 'Sydney II: Lost and Found' and 'A Fortunate Life'.
Last year (2023), a THEATRE 180 production called 'Taking Liberty' - to mark 40 years since Royal Perth Yacht Club's America's Cup win - was shown at the WA Maritime Museum theatrette. Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman launched the opening show, which was part of State Government-funded celebrations for Australia II: 40 Years On.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"THEATRE 180 has a loyal following who love this unique style of live theatre with minimalist cast and set in front of cinema screen action. I am also a fan of the exciting format.
"Funding of $150,000 will enable the sharing of 'The Lighthouse Girl Saga' production with more Western Australians, bringing communities together as the production goes on tour to engage with regional audiences.
"THEATRE 180 has a track record of selling out shows, and providing significant economic and social benefits to large and small towns across WA. This latest Cook Government support will allow for further growth of strong audience relationships and add nine regional WA venues.
"I am proud of my Government's ongoing financial commitment to Western Australia's culture and the arts sector."
