La Mama Theatre, Independent theatre in Carlton, Melbourne, Australia.
La Mama Theatre is an independent theatre in Carlton operating from two locations on Faraday Street and Drummond Street, providing intimate spaces for contemporary performances. The venue maintains separate studios to accommodate various artistic productions throughout the year.
Founded in 1967 by Betty Burstall, the theatre underwent major changes after a fire damaged the original 1883 building in 2018. It reopened in 2021 following extensive reconstruction work.
The theatre presents Australian plays and experimental works on traditional Kulin Nation land, providing emerging artists with a platform for their creative vision. It has become known for showcasing local and international works that mainstream theatres often overlook.
Both venues are accessible at ground level, making them easy to navigate for visitors with different mobility needs. Plan to arrive early so you can explore the intimate layout and get oriented before the show begins.
The theatre retained its original performance space dimensions after renovation, preserving the close relationship between performers and audiences. This choice to maintain historic proportions sets it apart from many modern renovated stages.
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