Pictured is staff and actors from the new Playhouse Theatre, Melbourne. At some point Theodore Polities (pictured third from left) from Lefkada ran the theatre's confectionary bar and he also took on the operational management of the theatre when it was experiencing financial difficulties. Ithacan Gerasimos Dionysios Gavrilis (know as George Denis Gabriel) appeared in various theatrical productions at the Playhouse. Greek school concerts were also held at the theatre. The Playhouse Theatre was situated in the former Aikman Street, South Melbourne (now Southbank) near Princes Bridge and was a venue repertory theatre. It first opened in 1912 as the Snowden Picture Theatre in the days of silent films and was rebuilt in 1916 as legitimate play house theatre. As the Playhouse it was the original home of the Melbourne Repertory Society. It was renamed the Garrick in 1933. The property was sold in 1937 for ₤17 500 ($35 000) to the Australian Paper Manufacturers company following which they donated the seating to the University of Melbourne's Union Theatre. A sepia photograph of eight men and two women standing outside the New Playhouse Theatre (Garrick Theatre).

Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 5 stripsIlford HP5playhouse, eltham living and learning centre

Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 5 stripsIlford HP5playhouse, eltham living and learning centre

Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 5 stripsIlford HP5playhouse, eltham living and learning centre

shire of eltham archives, child care centres, health & community services, hohnes road playhouse

Photo taken as part of an EDHS Heritage Excursion - Saturday 1st July - Eltham Lower Park - Walk and Talk. "Eltham Lower Park has played an important part in the history of our area since the early days of European settlement when it was used by local residents as an informal racecourse. Prior to that its location at the junction of the Diamond Creek and the Yarra River made it an important meeting place for the Wurundjeri people. The park combines formal elements and sporting facilities with remnant bushland that is of environmental significance. It is home to sporting and horse riding clubs, popular play spaces and the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, which attracts large numbers of visitors.The park will be the venue for our July excursion which will comprise a walk of about 3.5 km around the park and adjacent areas. Along the way we will discuss the history and natural history of the area. The path along the creek and the river provides a pleasant and scenic walk.This walk on Saturday 1st July is about 3.5 km in length and will take 2 to 2.5 hours. It will start at 2pm at the Main Road car park at the front of the park. (Melway ref 21 H 10)". Newsletter No., 234, June 2017 Born Digitalheritage excursion, activities, eltham district historical society, eltham lower park, sign, hohnes road playhouse

Jocelyn and Lynette Cerini were daughters of Natale and Ethel Cerini. They lived at 215 Union Road, Surrey Hills. The photo is believed to have been taken at the rear of their home at 215 Union Road, Surrey Hills. Copy by Ken Hall.A black and white photograph of 3 young girls and a young boy playing with their dolls and bicycle. The playhouse has a name of "Carcolla" on the building.jocelyn cerini (miss), lynette cerini (miss), 215 union road

Black and white photo of Cecil Evans and Baby Robert in back garden of 22 Cassella Street, Mitcham. Playhouse built by his father.evans, robert, doris, cecil

Play ProgramGolden sticker on front cover: "MTC Opening Night, Playhouse Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre May 8 1984"walsh st library

A programme with blue and red ink. The front cover has the words, ' The Scotch College Dramatic Society presents ' A Safety Match' a play in four acts by Ian Hay. The Playhouse, Melbourne Thursday, Friday, Saturday 23rd, 24th, and 25th August, 1928 To commence at 8 p.m. The Scotch College War Memorial. The Dramatic Society earnestly hopes that the proceeds of this year's performances will be sufficient to enable the erection of the Memorial to proceed forthwith. Any friend of the school wishing to assist should forward a donation to the Business Manager (Mr. J.A. E. Wilson) at the school. Programme threepence.' Printer Brown, Prior & Co. Pty. Ltd.430 Little Bourke St. Melbourne.program, theatre, scotch college dramatic society, lydia chancellor, collection, program, programme, scotch college dramatic society, 'a safety match, '

Shire of Eltham Living and Learning Centre is located at 739 Main Road, Eltham. The purpose of the Centre is: To provide an opportunity to come together individually and in groups in an atmosphere of equality, sharing their skills and experiences in order to improve the quality of their living. Tutors are not paid and fees are not charges on the understanding that the idea of sharing and co-operating spreads and everyone enjoys the results. This book was compiled by volunteers involved at the centre recording feelings, views of their experiences within the groups at the centre. It includes recipes, poems, stories and sketches, some of local scenes. It also includes an early history of the Centre compiled by the first Co-ordinator. Subjects include enrolment day, bee keeping, Bridge Club,Carpentry and woodcarving, looking and sharing, creative dancing, crochet, dressmaking, film making, Friends of the Creek, Diamond Creek, accessibility, hair cutting, herb gardening, home handyman skills, homestead cooking, living with goats, native plants, North Riding Project, gardening, painting, playhouse, play reading, puppetry, sculpture, spinning, weaving, winemaking and yoga. This book is significant in documenting the early history of the Eltham Living and Learning centre including the concepts of community co-operation and life-long learning for adults. It connects the current users of the Centre and the wider community with this local history which is part of the character represented in the twentieth century history of the Eltham area. Softcover [64] p.eltham living and learning centre, co-operative, education

Contents: 1. Hand drawn schematic record of site buildings as of 1975 compiled by Harry Gilham, Shire of Eltham Historical Society 2. History compiled on the ocassion of the Eltham Living and Learning Centre's 21st birthday in 1996. Includes historical notes about the property, origins of the Living and Learning Centre at Eltham which started in 1975. List of associate groups, friends of the creek, friends of the centre, playhouse, list of co-ordinators 3. Enrolment Day Cake recipe 4. Poem - "Who'd be a co-ordinator" by unknown 5. Traditions and Memories by Margaret Johnson, Program Co-ordinator for 10 years 6. Reminiscences by Linda Kirkwright, Admin Assistant 7. In the beginning there was a small cottage ... by Joanne Osborne, Assistant Co-ordinator 1977-1980 8. Newsclippings - Living and Learning Centre in Council Centre, Diamond Valley New, 2 Apr 1975; 'Rub-A-Dub" unknown publication; and miscellaneous advertisements 9. Copy of certifcate of title when transferred to the Shire of Eltham in 1975 10. Copy of 1992 Shire of Eltham Heritage Study, pages 930-936 with notations 48 A4 pages photocopies HG Booklets 22 and 47, 64eltham living and learning centre, enrolment day cake, harry gilham collection, heritage study, history, joanne osborne, linda kirkwright, margaret johnson, poem, recipe, reminiscences, who'd be a co-ordinator

St Andrews Primary School was one of thirteen primary schools and one high school to participate in the banner project. A picture of the St Andrews Primary School banner was included in page 10 of The banner habits of the Eltham tribes : Eltham Shire "as we are" Community Banner Project report /​ by Jacky Talbot. The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project was the first major Community Arts project initiated and co-ordinated through the resources of the Shire of Eltham. It was originally conceived and inspired by a local textile artist, Tracey Naughton, who, together with the Community Services Manager of this local government council, made the idea a very concrete and flourishing reality. The project grew from the original fourteen or so intending participant groups to fifty-seven banners; expressions of those diverse groups' interests and identities. As a first major project it was rightly felt by Tracey Naughton, who became the Shire's first Community Arts Officer in March 1985, that it should be fully documented, so that an appraisal of the extensive growth of this community arts development process could be assessed. Given the time and money available to do this, Jacky Talbot, and her advisors, decided it was appropriate to select fifteen or twenty banners for detailed analysis. This was done by taping interviews with members of the chosen groups. The groups were chosen to cover all ages participating, from the toddlers in the Playhouse to our grand elder citizens in their Nursing Horne, and to cover a wide range of different types of groups - schools, scouts, churches, youth issue based, and the numerous women's groups of various combinations, localities and concerns. ·. Some groups who presented their banners for the culminating highlight of this project - the Exhibition, held at the Eltham Community Centre on October 9th, 1986, had no contact with the Shire or project co-ordinator, but heard about the project through the local news' networks or other participants. The extent of community participation was enormous. It involved hundreds and hundreds of people. It changed some people's lives, enlivened others. As a first step on a new road its success is notable. The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project took place in the Shire of Eltham and neighbouring environs for approximately 12 months, from October 1985.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Cardbanners, st andrews primary school, banner project, community, emblems, flags, shire of eltham

20th Eltham Community Festival and last under the auspices of the Shire of Eltham. The Grand Parade focussing on the theme "Echoes of Eltham - Celebrating the visions of Eltrham from the past and into the future" was headed by Jock Read on his horse Lofty who had been filmed in an Anzac Day Parade on an earlier horse which had featured in the television show Matlock. The parade travelled north along Main Street to just past the Post Office then back south to Panther Place. Parade participants included 1st Eltham Brownies, 1st Eltham Venturers, 2nd Eltham Sea Scouts, 2nd Eltham Venturers, 3rd Eltham Brownies, Australian Democrats, Briar Hill Primary School, Circus Chaos, Country Fire Authority, Diamond Valley People for Disarmament, Diamond Valley Railway, Eltham Community Health Centre, Eltham District Horse and Pony Club, Eltham East Primary School, Eltham Fire Brigade, Eltham Junior Football Club (Panthers), Eltham Little Theatre, Eltham North Primary School, Eltham Playhouse Co-op, Eltham Pre-school, Eltham Roller Skating Club, Eltham South Pre-School Centre, Eltham Steam and Stationary Engine Society, Greenhills Neighbourhood House, Heidelberg Municipal Band, Hurstbridge Learning Co-op, Jocklebeary Farm, Kangaroo Ground Primary School, Learning Co-op Primary School, Lower Plenty Primary School, Main Road, Montmorency Gardening Club, Montmorency South Primary School, North Warrandyte Fire Brigade, Plenty Valley 88.6 FM, Research Pre-school, Research Primary School, Ron Sampson, Salvation Army Band (Briar Hill), Sherbourne Primary School, Shire of Eltham, State Emergency Service (Eltham) and Woodridge Pre-school. The parade commentary was provided by Plenty Valley FM 88.6 with guest commentator, Shire President Cr. John Graves. Following the parade is video footage from a helicopter of Alistair Knox Park, displays along Main Road and activities in Alistair Knox Park and the Rugby oval along with stationary engines, helicopter joyrides, Eltham People's Choir, music entertainment. Scenes also from the Diamond Valley Railway at Eltham Lower Park and finishing with the fireworks display. At the end of the video is a promotional video for Dynavision Video Production, a local video production company that produced the video and Diamond Photos (Kodak Express). One of the highlights of the festival was a tree planting ceremony in Alistair Knox Park to celebrate 123 years of the Shire of Eltham led by Shire President Cr. John Graves and representatives of the Wurrundjeri, traditional land owners of the area.VHS Video cassette (poor quality) Converted to MP4 file format 45:01, 535MB DVD copy of VHS cassette (better quality)1st eltham brownies, 1st eltham venturers, 2nd eltham sea scouts, 2nd eltham venturers, 3rd eltham brownies, 1994, aerial photographs, alistair knox park, arthur street, australian democrats, briar hill primary school, circus chaos, country fire authority, diamond valley people for disarmament, diamond valley railway, eltham community health centre, eltham district horse and pony club, eltham east primary school, eltham festival, eltham fire brigade, eltham junior football club (panthers), eltham little theatre, eltham lower park, eltham north primary school, eltham people's choir, eltham playhouse co-op, eltham pre-school, eltham roller skating club, eltham south pre-school centre, eltham steam and stationary engine society, grand parade, greenhills neighbourhood house, heidelberg municipal band, hurstbridge learning co-op, jock read, jocklebeary farm, john graves, kangaroo ground primary school, learning co-op primary school, lofty (horse), lower plenty primary school, main road, matlock police (tv show), montmorency gardening club, montmorency south primary school, nicholaus lauder estate, north warrandyte fire brigade, plenty valley 88.6 fm, research pre-school, research primary school, ron sampson, salvation army band (briar hill), sherbourne primary school, shire of eltham, state emergency service (eltham), video recording, woodridge pre-school

A document written in 1976 by Legatee Frank Meldrum containing his account of the start of Legacy. He was responding to a request for information about the history of Legacy that the archive committee was collating. He mentions several key members by name and what they achieved. As with other similar accounts he mentions the original objective was to see diggers placed in employment. When two years later the focus changed to the families 'thanks to Frank Doolan Legacy found its SOUL'. Many other accounts have also used the term 'soul' when referring to Frank's suggestion. It seems many Legatees had been quietly helping families of their comrades; Frank 'said he was helping a widow with two children of an old army mate. It was discovered that several of the Board were doing the same. Stan Savige had taken over the care of his widowed sister and her two boys, whose father had died at Passchendale. I had a widow with two little ones whose father was one of my best mates at Anzac. He died of flu virus after returning to Australia. I think eleven members of the Board or Committees were already giving similar service. Frank's proposal caught on immediately. Legacy had found its Soul!' 'Harold Peters started his Lit and Debating Class and I was asked by Stan to find a PT instructor', Frank Meldrum asked for the 'Billy' Williams to helped, and a cobber from Anzac, Louis Vavjanezki, to take on boxing and wrestling classes. 'All committees carried their own expenses amongst themselves - nothing was charged to JLC. Hugh Brain started the Education Committee and was given a donation, I think of $1000 (a heck of a lot in those days) by the Ballieu Bros.' He also mentions 'For the first 5-10 years practically all administrative costs were borne by the members.' 'Stan Savige was, of course a tremendous driving force in all the work for the Juniors. He put on a Christmas Camp at Balnarring on his own property and was Camp Commandant and Camp Cook.' Legatee Keith Mitchell helped Frank Meldrum in doing a dental examination of all children in the classes and then Frank did the necessary treatments in his rooms. When it was known they were treating over 400 children and their mums, Syd Birrell then got the board to co-opt two more dentists into the Club and form a Dental Clinic. Syd Birrell also started a Legal Committee to provide free legal advice. 'Committees quietly vied with each other to give better services to the Juniors and their mums. It was an atmosphere that was unbelievably happy - SERVCE WITHOUT SELF'. He mentions picnics, including one at Grimwade house - photos are at 01382 - where legatees were dressed up. The first demonstration was held in the 'Playhouse, just over Princes Bridge and was a great success.' Aaron Beattie and Mrs Gilles were mentioned. The notation H33 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A summary of the first fifty years of Legacy written by a key founding member.White foolscap paper with black type x 6 pages of Frank Meldrum's account of Legacy's history dated 6 March 1976.Handwritten H33 in red pen and 'from Meldrum' in blue pen on first page. Stamped 'COPY ONLY' in purple ink.history, founding legatee, frank meldrum

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Capital Theatre, Bendigo, Tuesday 16th August 8pm. Australian Broadcasting Commission presents Sir Bernard Heinze. Wayne Rapier - Oboe. These concerts are arranged by the Australian Broadcasting Commission in conjunction with the Government of Victoria. Articles with photos on Sir Bernard Heinze and Wayne Rapier. Annotations. Geelong A.B.C. Subscribers' Committee Members 1966, President: Me J A Brockman. Secretary: Mr J E McClelland. Committee: Miss A France, Miss E Sheridan, Mrs G Brook, Mrs W G L Cartwright, Mrs H C Fallaw, Mrs R H Hoe, Mrs E H Mackintosh, Mrs H G Marfell, Mrs G Penman, Mr and Mrs D O Davey, Mr C P S Billot, Mr Mervyn Callaghan, Mr E A Goding, Mr J L Grant, Mr R Heagney, Mr P H Larsen, Mr F Loxley, Mr N G Schulz, Mr J Phemister, Miss J Cullen. Australian Broadcasting Commission Constituted under the Broadcasting and Television Act, 1942-1965. Commissioners: J R Darling, C.M.G., O.B.E., M.A., D.C.L., (Chairman). E R Dawes, C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman). G Lowndes, O.B.E., M.S.C. H B Halvorsen, M.B.E., F.C.A., F.C.I.S. Miss Rhoda Felgate. M.B.E. J T Reid. Mrs Dorothy Edwards, O.B.E., B.A. General Manager: T S Duckmanton. Manager for Victoria: E A Whiteley, C.B.E., D.F.C., B.A. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Season of 1966) Leader of Orchestra: Leonard Dommett First Violins: Bertha Jorgenson, M.B.E. (Asst. Leader) Paul McDermott, Leon La Gruta, Milton Holden, Brian Beatty, Ronald Layton, Rudolf Osadnik. Second Violins: William Glassford (principal) Alex Burlakov, Charles Reither, Ivan Pietruschka, Robert Pattison, Percy Pledger. Violas: Paul O'Brien (Principal), Madeleine Dietrich, Eric Challinor, William Whittingham. Cellos: Marston Bate (Actg. Principal), Henry Wenig, Henri Touzeau, Valerie Awburn. Basses: Guill. Fraillon (Principal), Marijan Brajsa, John McNeilly. Flutes: Arnost Bourek, Vernon Hill, Allison Langdon. Piccolo: June Lindsay. Oboes: Norman Weiner, Edwin Denton. Cor Anglais: Nancy Simons. Clarinets: Phillip Miechel, Isobel Carter. Bass Clarinet: Eugene Danilov. Bassoons: Jos DeGroen, Rhyll Black. Contra Bassoon: Edward Stoneham. Horns: Roy White, Graham Bickford, Alex Grieve, Jack Raines. Trumpets: Mervyn Simpson, John Schmidli. Trombones: Roger Davies, Jack Glenn. Bass Trombone: John McGlade, Tuba: Ian King. Tympani: Gordon Craig. Percussion: Ernest Lighton, John Seal. Music Writer & Arranger: Robert Hughes. Librarian: Margaret Dixon. Orchestral Manager: Ross Carter. Advertising: Bendson & Hedges. Beethoven's recorded works EMI. ABC-TV Australian Playhouse. Kriesler Master Multi-Sonic. Philips.program, music, melbourne symphony orchestra, melbourne symphony orchestra, capital theatre, bendigo, tuesday 16th august 8pm. australian broadcasting commission sir bernard heinze. wayne rapier - oboe. government of victoria. articles photos sir bernard heinze wayne rapier. geelong a.b.c. subscribers' committee members 1966, president: me j a brockman. secretary: mr j e mcclelland. committee: miss a france, miss e sheridan, mrs g brook, mrs w g l cartwright, mrs h c fallaw, mrs r h hoe, mrs e h mackintosh, mrs h g marfell, mrs g penman, mr and mrs d o davey, mr c p s billot, mr mervyn callaghan, mr e a goding, mr j l grant, mr r heagney, mr p h larsen, mr f loxley, mr n g schulz, mr j phemister, miss j cullen. australian broadcasting commission constituted under the broadcasting and television act, 1942-1965. commissioners: j r darling, c.m.g., o.b.e., m.a., d.c.l., (chairman). e r dawes, c.m.g. (vice-chairman). g lowndes, o.b.e., m.s.c. h b halvorsen, m.b.e., f.c.a., f.c.i.s. miss rhoda felgate. m.b.e. j t reid. mrs dorothy edwards, o.b.e., b.a. general manager: t s duckmanton. manager for victoria: e a whiteley, c.b.e., d.f.c., b.a. melbourne symphony orchestra (season of 1966) leader of orchestra: leonard dommett first violins: bertha jorgenson, m.b.e. (asst. leader) paul mcdermott, leon la gruta, milton holden, brian beatty, ronald layton, rudolf osadnik. second violins: william glassford (principal) alex burlakov, charles reither, ivan pietruschka, robert pattison, percy pledger. violas: paul o'brien (principal), madeleine dietrich, eric challinor, william whittingham. cellos: marston bate (actg. principal), henry wenig, henri touzeau, valerie awburn. basses: guill. fraillon (principal), marijan brajsa, john mcneilly. flutes: arnost bourek, vernon hill, allison langdon. piccolo: june lindsay. oboes: norman weiner, edwin denton. cor anglais: nancy simons. clarinets: phillip miechel, isobel carter. bass clarinet: eugene danilov. bassoons: jos degroen, rhyll black. contra bassoon: edward stoneham. horns: roy white, graham bickford, alex grieve, jack raines. trumpets: mervyn simpson, john schmidli. trombones: roger davies, jack glenn. bass trombone: john mcglade, tuba: ian king. tympani: gordon craig. ernest lighton, john seal. robert hughes. margaret dixon. ross carter. bendson & hedges. emi. abc-tv australian playhouse. kriesler master multi-sonic. philips.

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.

Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre

"The theatre itself was located in a barn close to the village pond. Its location is indicated on the attached 1827 map of Hampton Wick and the Swan arrowed where tickets were to be had. The picture of Ye Swan around 1900 is probably not too dissimilar to how it would have looked in 1797. One of the regular patrons at the theatre is believed to have been William, Duke of Clarence (later King William IV, uncle of Queen Victoria). The Duke lived in Bushy House about a mile away from the village and was a known devotee of theatrical entertainments. The theatre had disappeared by 1865. It would have been a touring company who were playing on the night of 3 October 1797." ( information from Ray Elmitt, historian of Hampton Wick ) The doors were to be opened at 6 to begin precisely at 7 o'clock,. Boxes were 3 shillings, Pit seats were 2 shillings and seats in the gallery were 1 shilling. Tickets could be bought at the printing office in Kingston or from Mr Ansel of Adam and Eve in Kingston or from Mr Pattenden of the Swan in Hampton Wick. "First Love" is a 1795 sentimental comedy play by the British playwright Richard Cumberland. It was first performed at the Drury Lane Theatre in May 1795. Frederick Mowbray becomes the protector of Sabrina Rosny after her abandoment by Lord Sensitive. The Agreeable Surprise is a 1781 comic opera to music by Samuel Arnold and a libretto by John O'Keeffe. The work in two acts was first performed at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket (London), on 3 September 1781. It was one of the most performed works of its kind in London in the last quarter of the 18th century. In England the 18th century saw the flourishing of theatre as a popular pastime. Many theatres were enlarged and new playhouses built in London and the provinces. This item was kept as a souvenir / memento and brought to Australia by an early settler.A very old program from the Richmond Company at the Theatre Hampton-Wick. It is white with black print. There are two performances - First Love and The Agreeable Surprise. There is a cast list for each. theatre hampton-wick-richmond-company

Also titled: Eltham Shire "As We Are"The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project was the first major Community Arts project initiated and co-ordinated through the resources of the Shire of Eltham. It was originally conceived and inspired by a local textile artist, Tracey Naughton, who, together with the Community Services Manager of this local government council, made the idea a very concrete and flourishing reality. As the following report reveals, the project grew from the original fourteen or so intending participant groups to fifty-seven banners; expressions of those diverse groups' interests and identities. As a first major project it was rightly felt by Tracey Naughton, who became the Shire's first Community Arts Officer in March 1985, that it should be fully documented, so that an appraisal of the extensive growth of this community arts development process could be assessed. Given the time and money available to do this the writer, Jacky Talbot, and her advisors, decided it was appropriate to select fifteen or twenty banners for detailed analysis. This was done by taping interviews with members of the chosen groups. The groups were chosen to cover all ages participating, from the toddlers in the Playhouse to our grand elder citizens in their Nursing Horne, and to cover a wide range of different types of groups - schools, scouts, churches, youth issue based, and the numerous women's groups of various combinations, localities and concerns. ·. Some groups who presented their banners for the culminating highlight of this project - the Exhibition, held at the Eltham Community Centre on October 9th, 1986, had no contact with the Shire or project co-ordinator, but heard about the project through the local news' networks or other participants. The extent of community participation was enormous. It involved hundreds and hundreds of people. It changed some people's lives, enlivened others. As a first step on a new road its success is notable. The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project took place in the Shire of Eltham and neighbouring environs for approximately 12 months, from October 1985. Paperback; 68, [10] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. Two copiesflags, emblems, banners, eltham, shire of eltham, community

The program states: "The University of Melbourne presents the Melbourne Theatre Company in The Merchant of Venice". The play completes the Melbourne Theatre Company's Season 24, Part one, of performances at the Athenaeum Theatre, The Melbourne Theatre company was also performing at the Russell Street Theatre (at the Melbourne University. ). While MTC was waiting for its purpose-built playhouse at Southbank to be completed, performances were held at the Athenaeum and popular with subscribers. Program notes state that the company thanks everyone for their support "during Part 1 of the Season, during which attendances were higher than at any other time in our Company's history". The Artistic Director for this season was Ray Lawler, author of the Doll Trilogy which was later performed at the Athenaeum Theatre. The play was directed by John Sumner who would have appreciated the acoustics of the 'intimate theatre".Paper program; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the play and the actors.melbourne theatre company, the merchant of venice, william shakespeare, john sumner, jonathan hardy