Left: An artist’s impression of Dandenong’s Drum Theatre, which is set to open in February.By Rebecca Fraser
WITH a drum roll, the official branding of Dandenong’s Drum Theatre was launched last Thursday night.
Greater Dandenong chief executive Carl Wulff and legendary Australian actor Bud Tingwell unveiled the logo.
Mr Wulff said the launch was very important as the theatre would now be represented by the new symbol.
Renowned drummer David Jones performed during an evening attended by about 80 people.
Mr Wulff said the theatre would be a magic building for the city and would greatly enhance Greater Dandenong’s cultural landscape.
“This has been an iconic and controversial building over the past 100 years. Once complete, its iconic status will hold an even greater importance.
“The theatre will be something the people of Greater Dandenong have never seen before and will make a real statement to the community when it is complete,” he said.
Programming at the Red Drum will include a range of community, educational and professional activities and Mr Wulff said theatre bookings were quickly filling up.
“Since opening bookings a few months ago, we’ve booked over 130 days in the theatre, which for a venue of this type is almost 50 per cent of expected capacity,” he said.
Bud Tingwell said he was honoured to be able to come along and help launch the Drum logo.
He also spoke of his 18month stint in the play The Carer and stressed the value and importance of community theatres.
“We took the show around Australia and played everywhere you can play.
“But it is hard to take plays all around the place as we were always looking for decent venues.
“So it is good to see a community arts centre like this springing up.
“Towns where there are community theatres are pretty exciting places to be.
“It is a terrific idea for a building and it is very exciting to see it at this stage,” he said.
Mr Tingwell said Todd McKenny, Denise Drysdale and Denis Walter would perform next year as part of the Morning Music series and there would also be a 75minute performance of HMAS Pinafore.
The Dandenong Theatre company will also stage a production of Les Miserables in April and the Perth Theatre Company will perform the David Williamson play Soulmates.
The Bell Shakespeare Theatre company is also set to perform The Merchant of Venice next year and the theatre will also host the Final of the Youth Aria.
The 530seat auditorium, stage and fly tower are set for completion in November, and the theatre will official open to the public in February.
