Transcript: Athenaeum building celebrates 170 years Australian Broadcasting Corporation Broadcast: 11/11/2009 Reporter: Lisa Whitehead Tomorrow marks the 170th birthday of one of the nation's historic cultural landmarks. Melbourne’s Athenaeum building has, in one form or other, provided education and entertainment for the Victorian colony as it became a city; and along the way, documented its growth. Transcript KERRY O’BRIEN, PRESENTER: Tomorrow marks the 170th birthday of one of the nation's historic cultural landmarks. Melbourne's Athenaeum building has, in one form or another, provided education and entertainment. For the Victorian colonies it became a city and along the way documented its growth. The building's original library and theatre still draw devotees and as Lisa Whitehead reports, a loyal band of volunteers. KEVIN QUIGLEY, ATHENAEUM PRESIDENT: There's nothing like us that has been here from day one, four years after the boat pushed ashore, here we are. It's a thread that runs through the life of Melbourne. LISA WHITEHEAD, REPORTER: In the heart of Melbourne's CBD, the Athenaeum is a celebrity in disguise, the oldest cultural icon in the city, but barely noticed. MARJORIE DALVEAN, VOLUNTEER HISTORIAN: People of Melbourne walk past this area and they have no idea what it is. RAY LAWLER, PLAYWRIGHT: It seemed to me to be a place that absolutely, or breathes Melbourne, I suppose, culture. LISA WHITEHEAD: Just four years after Melbourne was founded, the colony built a Mechanic's Institution, one of the first in the world, a place where the working class could meet and learn. KEVIN QUIGLEY: People think of it as Wild West sort of place where these hearty types drank and rushed about, but Melbourne was freely settled. It was a city of people who wanted to better themselves - entrepreneurs. And the Mechanic's Institution was that innovative idea that had grown up in Edinburgh and London about providing an opportunity for education for the working people. LISA WHITEHEAD: Mark Twain lectured there. Later, other buildings were added and a theatre to host classic plays. And it adopted its more bourgeois friendly title of the Athenaeum. Crucially from the start there was the library, the first to offer affordable lending to the working man. And it still attracts devotees. Former University lecturer Margaret Bowman, 89, comes in every Wednesday, along with her dog to join an enthusiastic band of volunteers sorting through the archives. MARGARET BOWMAN, FORMER UNIVERSITY LECTURER: Doing research is something that I find actually I enjoy more than anything. Every old lady needs to have a project and now I've got a project. MARJORIE DALVEAN: Margaret, Christine has just found out that Alfred Deakin was a member here from 1874 to 1877. This place is not flashy, we've never been flashy. But book lovers walk in here and they know this is the place for them. ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE: Old times and old names. The Athenaeum theatre in Melbourne for more than 40 years has been one of the city's best known cinemas. LISA WHITEHEAD: In the 20th century, the theatre surrendered to the new craze of talking pictures, and one particular fan was famous Australian playwright Ray Lawler. At 13, he dropped out of school to work in a Footscray factory and two years later his first trip to the glamorous Athenaeum cinema hinted at the education he was missing. RAY LAWLER: It just had a style about it which I responded to, I think. I was looking for something and this seemed to be part of it. Ray Lawler went on to write "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" and found literary fame overseas. About a century after it had started as an educational place for the working man, Ray Lawler had, in effect, become an Athenaeum graduate. RAL LAWLER: If they had been looking for the sort of person that they were hoping to encourage along the way, I suppose I would have been somebody that might have fitted the mould, you know. LISA WHITEHEAD: In time, the cinema was returned to its theatrical roots. FRANK THRING, 1977: It has a great resemblance to the Theatre Royal in Hobart which Larry Olivier has called the best theatre he's ever worked in. And it's almost identical. It is the true Victorian playhouse. The horseshoe shaped thing: stalls, dress circle and gallery. And you're close to the audience and they're close to you. Marvellous feeling. LISA WHITEHEAD: Today, it's still a theatre. But time has brought compromises. The once vaunted art gallery has now covered its windows and become a comedy club and performance space. TV and suburban life have eaten away at the library membership. It offers an online service now, and a recent federal government grant will pay for the upkeep of its gracious interior, including the 1930s elevator Ray Lawler used to ride. For him, it's money well spent on history quietly made and discreetly observed. RAY LAWLER: It's the lack of awareness, I think, that people don't know what they've got here. They've really got the whole history of Melbourne almost. KEVIN QUIGLEY: It was a similar organisation in Sydney but we are the only one that's got a continual lineage on the same spot. We started here and we're still here and we'll be here for another 100 years. KERRY O'BRIEN: Lisa Whitehead on a great Melbourne landmark. © 2010 ABC | Privacy Policy Beginning as the Melbourne Mechanics' Institution in 1839, the Melbourne Athenaeum has a long history that reflects the cultural and social development of Melbourne. It continues to be managed as a not-for-profit organisation by a volunteer board, with a subscription library (maintained since 1839) and a leased theatre.Video broadcast ABC 7:30 Report for 11/11/2009. "Tomorrow marks the 170th birthday of one of the nation's historic cultural landmarks. Melbourne’s Athenaeum building has, in one form or other, provided education and entertainment for the Victorian colony as it became a city; and along the way, documented its growth."athenaeum, australian broadcasting corporation, kerry o’brien, kevin quigley, lisa whitehead, marjorie dalvean, ray lawler, margaret bowman, frank thring.

The program includes list of items to be recited and short biography of writers: Roderic Quinn, John Buchan, J M Barrie, Hillaire Belloc, A A Milne, John Masefield, John Drinkwater, Rudyard Kipling.Fifth and final tour of Alexander Watson considered to be the leading British Elocutionist with 25 years' experience. The program was directed by E J Gravestock presented in Melbourne by Frank Talbot. Two Matinee recitals were held at the Athenaeum Theatre on 24th and 27th May at 2.30pm.Program: Regarding the details of the recital to be given by Alexander Watson commencing Saturday 21 May 1927. Program is on beige paper with dark brown print; 8 pagesPrice 3d (three pence)athenaeum theatre, alexander watson, elecution, recital, theatre program

Copy of broadside held by the National Library of AustraliaMany music concerts were performed at the Melbourne Athenaeum. This one featured the pupils of Mr W.R Furlong, assisted by other artists.Copy of paper program for a concert performed at the Athenaeum Hall Thursday October 19 1876.athenaeum theatre, program, programme, furlong, f.l. king, madame v pett, miss nellie pett, miss bessie gledhill, chilperic, 1876

An Hawaiian music and dance ensemble who toured Australia at different periods 1911 - 1930Paper program for an entertainment from Hawaii the Land of Flowers and Song performed at the Athenaeum Theatre commencing Boxing Day December 26 1924; coloured cover - yellow; 16 p. includes articles about the film, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, music theatre, a night in honolulu, frank talbot, carroll, kaai's hawaiian troubadours

Paper program for a comedy drama performed at the Athenaeum Theatre commencing Saturday May 23 1925; coloured cover, 16 p. includes articles about the film, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, j c williamson, e j carroll, john d o'hara, winchell smith, tom cushing, athenaeum theatre, program, programme, j c williamson, e j carroll, john d o'hara, winchell smith, tom cushing

''The comedy is said to give an interesting picture of the Jazz age and the cafe life indulged in by the sons and daughters of the New York fast set.'' (extract from program notes) The Program includes an advertisement for a fashion Salon in the Athenaeum building at 186 Collins Street. The Program is for one of the few plays performed at the Athenaeum before it was converted for films Paper program for a comedy performed at the Athenaeum Theatre Saturday May 8 1926; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, the best people, frank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, david gray, avery hopwood

Theatre program from 24 December 1927Included in the cast is a young Basil Radford, who subsequently appeared in the Hitchcock classic "The Lady Vanishes" and a number of British films of the 40sPaper program for a comedy performed at the Athenaeum Theatre commencing Saturday December 24 1927; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the film, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, the alarm clock, frank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, avery hopwood, richard white, eric edgley, athenaeum theatre, program, programme, the alarm clock, frank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, avery hopwood, richard white, eric edgley

Theatre program 29 January 1927Hugely popular play when staged in London. No mention is made in the program of the author, who in later life played Private Godfrey in "Dad's Army".Paper program for a drama performed at the Athenaeum Theatre Saturday January 29 1927; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the film, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, the ghost train, fraank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, arnold ridley, athenaeum theatre, program, programme, the ghost train, fraank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, arnold ridley

The plot of the play is concerned with the performance of a play "The snare" at the imaginary Woodford Theatre; a separate, small paper program for this play within a play is included with the program. The play was based on the novel "House of fear" by Wadsworth Camp and was presented at the Athenaeum Theatre by E.J. Carroll Staged by Eric Edgley (Theatrical family); advertisements show cost of living of the period - two course meal for 2 shillings and 3 pence; holiday suggestions by Government Tourist Bureau are to Mt Buffalo and Gippsland Lakes. Paper program for a play performed at the Athenaeum Theatre Saturday September 24 1927; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the film, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, the last warning, e j carroll, richard white, eric edgley, frank talbot pty ltd, thomas f fallon

Theatre program 30 April 1927Program show by E J Carroll, program adverts for local companies of the time MacRobertsons, Hoadleys, and IXL.Paper program for a play performed at the Athenaeum Theatre April 30 1927; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the film, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, the unfair sex, frank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, richard white, eric edgeley, joseph cunningham's english comedy co, athenaeum theatre, program, programme, the unfair sex, frank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, richard white, eric edgeley, joseph cunningham's english comedy co

Paper program for a play performed at the Athenaeum Theatre 17 August until 5 September 1970; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the film, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, emlyn williams as charles dickens, centenary tour 1970, emlyn williams, charles dickens, robert crawley, phillip productions pty ltd, aztec services pty ltd

The play was produced by EJ Carroll at the Athenaeum Theatre, the Australian premiere. The play enjoyed a long and successful run with Frank Bradley setting a record by performing as leading man for forty weeks. Frank Talbot had leased the Athenaeum Hall for several years before negotiating with the Melbourne Athenaeum board members to renovate the hall into a modern theatre. The work was completed in 1923. The theatre became a well-known venue for plays but later, as movies became popular a biograph box was constructed to house movie projectors. The theatre manager, Frank Talbot, who leased the theatre from the Melbourne Athenaeum, signed an agreement with British Dominion Films in 1932, to show only British movies. Hoyts Theatres took over the lease in 1955 and later the Melbourne Theatre Company performed in the theatre, bringing live performances back to the theatre for several years. Programs of the early performances of plays are a reminder of the original purpose of the theatre. The theatre management continues to feature live performances.Photocopy of a program held at the Museum of Performing Arts athenaeum theatre, program, the sport of kings, racing comedy, frank talbot pty ltd, e j carroll, ian hay, frank bradley

The two films screened were produced by the British company Gaumont-British Dominions. Frank Talbot, who leased the Athenaeum Theatre, made an agreement in 1932 with the British company to show British movies exclusively at the Athenaeum Theatre, the first agreement of this kind to be made in the world. Paper program for two films shown at the Athenaeum Theatre commencing Friday 3rd December 1937athenaeum theatre, program, programme, the interrupted honeymoon, doctor syn, frank talbot pty ltd, british dominions films ltd, cecil parkes' strad trio, australian movietone news reel, gaumont british news reel, athenaeum theatre, program, programme, the interrupted honeymoon, doctor syn, frank talbot pty ltd, british dominions films ltd, cecil parkes' strad trio, australian movietone news reel, gaumont british news reel

Paper program for a film screened at the Athenaeum Theatre commencing 3rd October 1941; Pp. 16, (including wrappers and advertisements), printed in brown; printed yellow paper wrappers, stapled, faintly creased, dated by hand in ink at head of upper wrapper; pages browned; Programme for screening at the Athenaeum Theatre of the film Major Barbara, starring Wendy Hiller & Rex Harrison, commencing October 3, 1941. athenaeum theatre, program, programme, major barbara, frank talbot pty ltd, british dominions films ltd, cecil parkes' strad trio

The box, with the name "Melbourne Mechanics' Institution" appears to have been used to store documents. Pink wax residue on the top of the lid indicates that important documents would have been kept there. The gold lettering indicates the status of the institution in the community.Metal document box with "Melbourne Mechanics' Institution" written in gold lettering on the sideA metal document box; the lid has what appears to be spots of red wax; the box is lockable but the key is missing

With the cover framed, the remaining four pages of the interior of the program remain in the collection. The entertainment commenced with music performed by Rene Breggozzo and Continental String Orchestra, Ballet music from Gounod's Faust and this was followed by a Cinesound Review and a Universal news reel. As usual, in these programs, the entertainment continued with a short movie, Laurel and Hardy in "Beau Hunks" and Wm T Tilden performing in "Volley and Smash". A rendition of the Meditation from Jules Massenet's "Thais" was performed by Rene Bregozzo prior to interval. After interval the main feature "The Sin of Madelon Claudet", starring Helen Hayes and Lewis Stone was shown and the evening concluded with the orchestra playing the national anthem.The program reveals the type of entertainments of people who attended theatres in the 1930s. The classical-style music performed during the evening's movie entertainments tell us that this style of music was very popular throughout the population. The pages of the program have many advertisements for businesses ranging from sewing machines sold by Ward Bros. of North Melbourne (a picture of a treadle machine illustrates the advertisement) to the "Claire" florist of Queens Walk and the shop selling dancing shoes, G.M. Coutie of Elizabeth Street. A theatre program also reveals information about the location where the entertainment is enjoyed.Cover of a program for a film shown at the Athenaeum Theatre September 1931; the image is framed and hangs in Archives room.athenaeum theatre, program, programme, the sin of madelon claudet, helen hayes, lewis stone

Paper program for a film screened at the Athenaeum Theatre 1948; coloured illustration; 4 p. includes articles about the film and the actors. The first Australian screening of Hamlet was screened on 11 June 1948 with the Oliviers in attendance.athenaeum theatre, program, programme, laurence olivier, hamlet, william shakespeare, j arthur rank enterprise, a two cities film, the great soliloquy

Paper program for a play performed at the Athenaeum Theatre commencing 18 April 1970; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisements. Also includes ticket stub for theatre- Stalls Saturday 25 April seat A12.athenaeum theatre, program, programme, forty carats, phillip productions pty ltd, aztec services pty ltd, marti stevens, tommy hanlon, jay allen, barillet and gredy, sean scully, james burrows

Paper program for a play performed at the Athenaeum Theatre 19 June until 15 August 1970; coloured cover - yellow; 16 p. includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, the bandwagon, phillip productions pty limited, mermaid theatre (london), peggy mount, terence frisby, jacki weaver, robert chetwyn

Paper program for a play performed at the Athenaeum Theatre from 12 September 1970; coloured cover, 16 p. includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisementsathenaeum theatre, program, programme, "oh, sir henry", phiilip productions pty limited, aztec services pty ltd, alan babbage, sheila bradley, peter adams, bob hornery

Obtained by Secretary of Melbourne Athenaeum in 1972 (Mr Leslie Stephens) to see the advertisement for library membership that was included in the program. Includes a loose page documenting advertising rates in the Theatre program. Melbourne Theatre Company programs often included advertising for the library. MTC later leased the Athenaeum Theatre.Paper program for a play performed at the Russell St Theatre 24 October until 18 November 1972; coloured cover; 20 p. includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisementsmelbourne theatre company, russell st theatre, program, a touch of the poet, eugene o'neill, the university of melbourne, australian elizabethan theatre trust, melbourne city council

The program includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisements.Advertisement for Athenaeum Library included in the program.Melbourne Theatre Company Season Ten - Program; 20 pages.melbourne theatre company, rusell st theatre, sticks and bones, david rabe, the university of melbourne, australian elizabethan theatre trust, melbourne city council

Paper program for scheduled performances at the Russell St Theatre Season 10 1972; coloured cover - 16 p. includes articles about the plays, the actors, the playwrights and the Melbourne Theatre Company, plus booking formmelbourne theatre company, season ten 1072, russell street theatre, an ideal husband, oscar wilde, comedy theatre, sticks and bones, david rabe, a touch of the poet, eugene o'neill, tom, alexander buzo, the tavern, george m cohan, jugglers three, david williamson, the chocolate frog with old familiar juice, jim mcneill, "father dear, come over here", ron harrison

Several programs of the Melbourne Theatre Company performing at Russell Street Theatre contained advertising for the Melbourne Athenaeum Library. Melbourne Theatre Company leased Athenaeum Theatre from 1977 season to 1985Paper program for a play performed at the Russell St Theatre 17 July until 5 August 1972; green cover; 20 p. includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisementsThe front cover has a message for the secretary Mr Stephens regarding future advertising for the seriesmelbourne theatre company, russell st theatre, jugglers three, david williamson, the university of melbourne, australian elizabethan theatre trust, melbourne city council, program

Melbourne Theatre Company later leased Athenaeum Theatre 1977 -1985Paper program; 16 p. includes articles about the play, the actors and advertisementsFile includes three theatre reviewsmelbourne theatre company, part 2 season 21, equus, peter shaffer, the university of melbourne, the australian elizabethan theatre trust, melbourne city council, martin dysart, mick rodger

Linda Britten presents Operette:Legato Melbourne couture designer, Linda Britten fused opera and fashion. Her presentation incorporated ballet and music. Performed by the Australian Ballet School and singers Antoinette Halloran, Michelle Buscemi and Angela Hogan Wednesday, March 12, 7 pm. at the Athenaeum Theatre. Program for an event of the Melbourne Fashion Festival's Cultural Program at the Athenaeum Theatre March 2014; coloured cover; 32 p. includes articles about the show.athenaeum theatre, program, programme, melbourne fashion festival, the australian ballet school, linda britten, leigh rowles, cameron menzies, antoinette halloran, michelle buscemi, angela hogan

First season held at Athenaeum Theatre by Melbourne Theatre CompanyProgram includes an article by John Sumner about the reasons why company moved to the Melbourne Athenaeum Theatre, noting that the Athenaeum is more suited than larger theatres to the intimate playing of straight drama.Program for a play; coloured cover - green; 16 p. includes articles about the play and the authorDraft copy of the program ( as pictured) and the final program with amendments as used for the production.athenaeum theatre, program, programme, melbourne theatre company, the school for scandal, r b sheridan, the university of melbourne, ray lawler

Paper program; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the play and the authorathenaeum theatre, program, melbourne theatre company, the wild duck, henrik ibsen, ray lawler, the university of melbourne

Paper program; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the play and the authorrussell st theatre, program, programme, melbourne theatre company, david williamson, the university of melbourne

Paper program for a play performed by the Melbourne Theatre Company at the Athenaeum Theatre commencing 1 November 1977; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the play and the authorathenaeum theatre, program, the university of melbourne, melbourne theatre company, eugene o'neill, ray lawler