Australian Theatre of the Deaf further records, 1979-1997

MLMSS 8908

fonds

1979-1997

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Clippings, Ephemera, Photographs

1025681

0.66 metres of textual material (4 boxes)

In the early 1970s a theatre was formed by a group of deaf people interested both in entertaining the deaf community and offering its members an opportunity to express themselves creatively. The company's first major public production was 'King Lear' in 1976. 1979 saw a change of focus when the company, with backing from the Australia Council and the Elizabethan Theatre Trust, was launched professionally as the New South Wales Theatre of the Deaf, to cater for both hearing and deaf audiences. The company later became known as the Theatre of the Deaf, and in 1995 was renamed Australian Theatre of the Deaf. It remains Australia's only professional deaf theatre company. (Similar companies which commenced in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne remain amateur groups). The company produces education shows for school children, interpreted and mainstage theatre. Performing in a variety of styles and techniques, the company has toured throughout Australia and to the USA, Japan, New Zealand, Austria and Singapore. In 1991 it was chosen as one of the most successful theatre companies performing at the World Federation of Deaf Companies held in Tokyo, Japan.

Reference:
Compiled from the collection

The collection comprises administrative, financial and production records of the Australian Theatre of the Deaf, reflecting its activities in the areas of entertainment and education.

BOX 1
Administrative files relating to grant applications and funding, including provision for a Visiting Teacher in 1992, a Dramaturg-in-Residence in 1993 and a trainee Artistic Director in 1994, 1990-1995
File relating to a Trainee Theatre in Education proposal, ca. 1979


BOX 2
Board correspondence, 1992-1994
General correspondence, 1988-1990
Correspondence with NSW Ministry for the Arts, 1991-1994
Correspondence with the Australia Council, 1993
Information book containing history, promotional material and newscuttings
Newscuttings, 1992-1997
Media releases, 1996-1997
Files relating to participation in overseas festivals and conferences including British Deaf Association Centenary 1990, Singapore Festival of Arts 1992 and 1994, Commonwealth Contact Victoria Canada 1994, World Federation of the Deaf Conference Vienna 1995 and New Works Connecticut 1995

BOX 3
Files relating to performances, events and tours:
TAFE projects, 1990
Tasmania and Queensland tours and workshops, 1990
Appearance in ‘G.P.’ television series, 1990
Interplay Australian tour, 1989-1990
Sydney Opera House Cultural Capers 1991
Come Out Festival Adelaide 1991
Jacques Templeraud workshops, 1991
Appearance in ‘A Country Practice’ television series, 1991
Deaf Pride Festivals, 1991 and 1994
Australian Theatre for Young People workshops, 1991-1992
Victoria tours, 1991, 1994 and 1996 [includes ‘Treehouse’ play script]
NSW tours, 1992 and 1994
Bondi Pavilion, 1993
Mardi Gras, 1993-1994
Powerhouse Museum, undated

BOX 4
Files relating to ATOD productions:
‘Wolfmoon’ synopsis, photographic prints, publicity material, budget, newscuttings, 1989-1990
‘The Eye’ play script, invitation list, publicity photograph, 1990
‘Jumping off the shelf’, ‘Tunnel vision’ and ‘Culture shock’ teacher’s notes, assessments, reports, ca. 1991
‘Tick a box’ play script, 1992
‘Sing ‘n’ sign’ play script, teacher’s notes, 1993
‘Same difference’ play script, grant application and related papers, teacher’s notes, assessments, 1993-1995
‘Savant’ negatives, newscuttings, budget, costume, set and lighting designs, 1993
‘Ahoy!’ promotional material, assessments, 1993
‘A day in the life of angels’, includes negatives, 1995
‘The very first day’ promotional material, teacher’s notes, assessments, 1995-1996
‘Jukebox’ synopsis, teacher’s notes, assessments, 1996-1997
‘Jumping off the shelf’ author permissions, 1997 [includes letter from Kenneth Tribe to Nola Colefax, 1981]

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy copyright holder

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2012-2013

Additional contents list supplied by donor