Event: Independent Theatre Forum, 6.30pm, 31 May 2023, ACT Hub.
Karl Valentin, (1882-1948), the German comedian and satirist, tendered the idea of introducing »Allgemeine Theaterbesuchspflicht« (general obligation to attend theatres) as a means of reinvigorating theatre attendance, and thereby, production.
“Where do these empty theatres come from? Only from the absence of an audience. And only the government is to blame for this. Why is there no compulsory theatre? If everyone had to go to the theatre, things would be different. Why is there compulsory schooling? No student would go to school if they didn’t have to. Even if it is not easy, it would not be difficult to introduce compulsory theatre as well. Good will and duty make everything happen” (Valentin 1992:47-8) (My translation, original text below).
No one from last night’s panel discussion of Canberra’s independent theatre scene suggested Compulsory Theatre as a remedy to our current woes, but, as discussed, there were periods of Canberra’s theatre history where theatre-going possessed a joyful but undeclared compulsory force.
As part of the 2023 Forum Series, the ACT Hub offered a solid night’s discussion – chaired by Peter Wilkins – with some esteemed members of the Canberra independent theatre and dance scene: Jarrad West, Karen Vickery, Chris Carroll, Ali Plevey, and Lexi Sekuless.
Peter began with the question, ‘What is Independent Theatre?’ The answers were varied and interesting, and each revealed the intelligence and passion of Independent Theatre in Canberra today.
So, what is Independent Theatre?
Jared West, of Everyman Theatre, saw Independent Theatre as an opportunity to bring works that are not routinely staged to a Canberra audience; in Everyman these are existing works, not created works.
Karen Vickery placed Independent Theatre as sitting between the professional theatre strata (i.e. commercial and government-funded) and the community theatre strata. For Karen, Independent Theatre is about creating opportunities for work at the highest level by garnering the best local talent and providing opportunities to express and share that talent.
Chris Carroll, using a comparison to the concept of ‘Independent Film’, saw Independent Theatre as free from the shackles of the machinery of mass production and the requirement to maximise audience. This freedom, he argued, gives Independent Theatre the potential for greater artistic integrity, the chance to take risks, and an overall clearer artistic vision. Independent Theatre is, he said, “Trying to create work that values the art as the primary vocation; the purpose of the artists life.”
Ali Plevey shared her experiences of engaging and working with Independent Artists in site-specific contemporary dance. Ali recognised independence in the work of artists striving to “push the envelope” and engage with art forms “outside the box”.
Lexi Sekuless carried us through the homophone qualities of “independent.” As an adjective ‘independent’ is “values led”; Lexi said, “it has the quality of risk-taking and the values of the artist or company.” As a noun, ‘independent’ opens the conversation on theatre funding and resourcing.
Through this, and later phases of the discussion, the panel explored the interconnected meanings of ‘Independent Theatre’, ranging across issues of funding sources, audience development, and artistic excellence. The discussion made clear that Independent Theatre in Canberra can be an instrument for excellence in expression, genuine risk-taking, refinement of values, and an exploration of the purpose of art. From this vantage, perhaps Karl Valentin’s satire cuts through to authenticity as it is possibly true that “good will and duty make everything happen.”
Event: Independent Theatre Forum, 6.30pm, 31 May 2023, ACT Hub.
Chair: Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics Circle
Panel: Jarrad West, Everyman Theatre & ACT Hub Creative Director
Panel: Karen Vickery, Chaika Theatre & ACT Hub Creative Director
Panel: Christopher Samuel Carroll, Bare Witness Theatre
Panel: Alison Plevey, Australian Dance Party
Panel: Lexi Sekuless, Mill Theatre & Lexi Sekuless Productions
Original text (extract)
ZWANGSVORSTELLUNGEN
WOHER DIESE leeren Theater? Nur durch das Ausbleiben des Publikums. Schuld daran — nur der Staat. Warum wird kein Theaterzwang einge- führt? Wenn jeder Mensch in das Theater gehen muß, wird die Sache gleich anders. Warum ist der Schulzwang eingeführt? Kein Schüler würde die Schule besuchen, wenn er nicht müßte. Beim Theater, wenn es auch nicht leicht ist, würde sich das unschwer ebenfalls doch vielleicht einführen lassen. Der gute Wille und die Pflicht bringen alles zustande (Valentin 1992:47-8).
Valentin, Karl. 1992. ‚Zwangsvorstellungen’ in Monologe und Soloszenen Vol. 1 of Sämtliche Werke in acht Bänden, miteinem Ergänzungsband, edited by Helmut Bachmaier and Dieter Wöhrle. Munich: Piper
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