Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

National Black Theatre

Aboriginal theatre group based in Redfern which grew out of political struggles for land rights. The centre held workshops in modern dancing, tribal dancing, writing for theatre, karate and photography, and provided a venue for new Aboriginal drama.

Milestone
Born
1934
Formed
1970
Dissolved
1977
Name
Alternate
Black Theatre
Alternate
The Black Theatre Arts and Cultural Centre
Occupation
Position
1970
1974
Type

National Black Theatre

CC BY-SA 2.0
,
2008

Founded by young Aboriginal activists, National Black Theatre tried to tell the stories of Aboriginal life with political impact. From 1974 the group had some government funding and moved from street and sketch theatre to full productions of new plays by Aboriginal playwrights. Despite its success, the company lost its funding and closed in 1977.