Theatre

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Two costume designs, one for a man the other for a woman, with annotations. The man's costume features a blue and green shirt with puffy sleeves, a brown vest, boots, a blue hat and an optional blue cloak. The woman's costume is an orange gown with a small headpiece.

Costume and set sketches - Twelfth Night, 1968, from the papers of Kristian Fredrikson, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3139276048

Kristian Fredrikson costume designs for the plays of William Shakespeare

Explore the crossover of two masters of their crafts with these beautiful sketches and designs.

Blog
A person stands in an empty darkened theatre, illuminated by a single light bulb.

Daniel James Boud, Ange Sullivan, head of lighting, preparing a ghost light at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, 2020, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2976573618, courtesy Daniel James Boud

Performing arts research guide

We hold one of Australia’s largest collections of performing arts materials.

Research guide
Black and white photograph of a row of shopfronts. One facade reads 'Theatre Royal: Open Every Evening'.

Theatre Royal, Sydney, King St. Entrance in 1882, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-137238900

Theatre research guide

Our collections document the history and development of dramatic and comic theatre in Australia.

Research guide
A black and white photograph of a billboard advertising the 'Big Show of 1936', a variety performance

(1936). Frank Neil presents new international variety stars in the Big show of 1936. nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2404782107

Performing arts in Australia

Topic

Sydney’s first theatre was said to be opened in 1796 and was managed by Robert Sidaway.

Digital Classroom
A photograph of the Sydney Opera House during the day. The Opera House is framed by the hanging branches of a large tree. In the foreground is a wrought iron fence.

Don McMurdo, [Sydney Opera House], nla.gov.au/nla.obj-146290294

Stage performance

Topic

Drama in Australia is celebrated at all levels of skill and involvement. 

Digital Classroom
Ballerina Justine Summers strikes a pose for the camera. She is standing en point wearing a black tutu. She is standing infront of a textured curtain. She is staring directly at the camera.

Jim McFarlane, Justine Summers in "Divergence", the Australian Ballet, 1994, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136367403

On stage

Module

This resource is aligned to the Australian Curriculum: The Arts for years 5 & 6 students.

Digital Classroom
Old book open to page reading 'As You Like It: A comedy'

Nicholas Rowe (editor), The Works of Mr. William Shakespear, 6 volumes, volume 2, London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1709–1710, David Nichol Smith Collection, nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1355760

Shakespeare in the Library’s rare books collections

Celebrate William Shakespeare's birthday with Shakespearean gems from the National Library's rare books collections.

Blog
Collection guide
Hanger Collection

Photocopies of typescripts of 18 unpublished plays.

Collection guide
Collection guide
French plays 1700-1840

2457 plays published in France between 1701 and 1840. They include tragedies, comedies, historical dramas, vaudevilles, comic operas and operas.

Collection guide
Collection guide
Howard Collection

Collection of Australian drama consisting of 197 unpublished plays in typescript or manuscript form by Australian authors.

Collection guide
Collection guide
Italian Drama Collection

1011 plays and libretti published in Italy between about 1720 and 1900 including a number of Italian translations of plays written by French, German and other European dramatists.

Collection guide

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