La Mama Theatre

La Mama Theatre La Mama Theatre is nationally and internationally acknowledged as a crucible for cutting edge, contemporary theatre since 1967. Thank you! Don't be a troll.
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Facilitating fearlessly independent theatre making. La Mama is Australia’s most vital, responsive, inclusive and diverse home of independent theatre-making. We believe in the power and possibilities of theatre and art for all people. La Mama is committed to a diversity of artistic approaches, to innovation and to exploring minority as well as general concerns. A vibrant space and prolific producti

on house, La Mama has given initial exposure and support to thousands of playwrights, directors, actors, and technicians as well as poets, musicians, performance artists and experimental film-makers

La Mama is financially assisted by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and the City of Melbourne through the Arts and Creative Investment Partnerships. We are grateful to all our philanthropic partners and donors, advocates, volunteers, audiences, artists and our entire community. Rules of Engagement:
We love you, we love your love, we love your comments and your conversations. Keep it kind and relevant. Trolls will be blocked - which is so dull. Lots of love, La Mama xx

Well that's it, out of office on, doors closed, theatres dark. This upcoming break is of course bittersweet. While we're...
20/12/2024

Well that's it, out of office on, doors closed, theatres dark. This upcoming break is of course bittersweet. While we're looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and doing the work that needs to be done, 2024 has been an exceptional year of theatre at La Mama, and an incredible year of development. We've run hugely successful programs and festivals such as our Professional Development Series, La Mama Emerge, La Mama Writing Intensive and the inaugural La Mama's Festival of Mother Tongues, and our seasons have been strong, diverse, challenging and delightful.

We've loved every minute of it, and want to thank and congratulate every artist who has made this year a damn fine one. Thanks too to our staff, volunteers, Committee members and to every one of you, who has opened your minds and hearts to a La Mama show. You won't hear from us for a while now, but know that while we work away at our next act, we'll be thinking very deeply of all of you - our extraordinary community.

Be safe and happy over the festive season, and love to you all in 2025.

Love, La Mama XX

20/12/2024

If you missed the show, here's a taste of the wild, wonderful event that was AVANT GUARDS presented by La Mama and Pony Cam, December 14 2024. Starring La Mama staff, volunteers and Committee members and the Pony Cam Collective, this spectacular ran all across the day and well into the night...

Our final show for the year, the climatic end to the fundraiser OUR NEXT ACT, and an adieu to our community as we pause programming across 2025 to carry out critical work, reimagining the company for 2026 and beyond.
Videography by Ruiqi Fu & Robert D'Ottavi

A huge heartfelt THANK YOU to every single donor who gave to La Mama for OUR NEXT ACT. The total raised comes to $125,25...
20/12/2024

A huge heartfelt THANK YOU to every single donor who gave to La Mama for OUR NEXT ACT. The total raised comes to $125,257.93, an extraordinary achievement. The funds will be used for critical work across 2025 as we rethink, restrategise and reimagine La Mama moving forward. Thanks too to all who spread the word, helping us meet a truly successful outcome. Much love Xx

💚We're still on a high after AVANT GUARDS! If you missed Saturday's spectacular... here's some spectacular pics by the e...
19/12/2024

💚We're still on a high after AVANT GUARDS! If you missed Saturday's spectacular... here's some spectacular pics by the ever-wonderful Darren Gill. Love to everyone who came along and to all who were there in spirit💚

La Mama and Pony Cam present AVANT GUARDS
December 14 2024
La Mama Theatre's final show for the year, the climatic end to the fundraiser OUR NEXT ACT, and an adieu to our community as we pause programming across 2025 to carry out critical work, reimagining the company for 2026 and beyond.

✨💛 Our glorious glorious friends! What an extraordinary effort you have all put in, and what love you have poured out - ...
14/12/2024

✨💛 Our glorious glorious friends! What an extraordinary effort you have all put in, and what love you have poured out - all over La Mama! We can hardly believe that in one day we have raised a whopping $27,252!!! And to think that will be matched by Creative Australia's Plus1!! 💛✨

We'll announce the grand total of OUR NEXT ACT next week; in the meantime donations are still open, will still be gratefully accepted, and will still be matched to the end of today. Thank you, all, for digging deep, popping in, and sharing AVANT GUARDS with us - today has been quite simply amazing. Much love Xx

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS: Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
ℹ️ Find out more here: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/our-next-act/

NO WAY! You La Mama Lovers, you!! We're now up to $14,385 raised today for OUR NEXT ACT! Keep it up - we're doing so wel...
14/12/2024

NO WAY! You La Mama Lovers, you!! We're now up to $14,385 raised today for OUR NEXT ACT! Keep it up - we're doing so well! Don't forget, pizza, gelato, bevvies, bits n bobs, a wild wild show and 15 gorgeous paintings to bid on. Let's bring this home, you good good folk. Much love XX

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS: Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
🕰 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
ℹ️ Find out more here: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

Don't forget to get down to La Mama HQ to place your bids on the FIFTEEN stunning paintings by acclaimed artist James Cl...
14/12/2024

Don't forget to get down to La Mama HQ to place your bids on the FIFTEEN stunning paintings by acclaimed artist James Clayden - up for auction for donations today only.

As a fine artist, James has exhibited in nearly 50 group and solo shows. James' work is held in numerous collections, including the Australian National Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria, and Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

The paintings will be auctioned by donation starting from $500. The paintings will be available to bid on, only on Saturday 14 Dec, only at La Mama HQ 205 Faraday St Carlton. Final bid at 5:30pm.

Thank you James!

Pictured:
36/ Red right hand, alone 2023
acrylic on canvas 1020x810mm

📆 TODAY ONLY
ℹ️ Full catalogue:https://lamama.com.au/app/uploads/2024/12/15-PAINTINGS-@-LAMAMA-%E2%80%93-JAMES-CLAYDEN-AUCTION.pdf

AND WE'VE BROKEN THE TEN THOUSANDS!!! We're now at $10,463! Congrats, team!! And thank you to everyone saying YES to Mel...
14/12/2024

AND WE'VE BROKEN THE TEN THOUSANDS!!! We're now at $10,463! Congrats, team!! And thank you to everyone saying YES to Melbourne independent theatre and La Mama! Creative Australia is going to match every dollar you give today to the tune of $50,000 today, so if you can, dig deep!

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS: Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
🕰 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
ℹ️ Find out more here: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

We'd be hungry and thirsty without our gorgeous sponsors today! Thank you to DOC pizza for providing delicious slices, t...
14/12/2024

We'd be hungry and thirsty without our gorgeous sponsors today! Thank you to DOC pizza for providing delicious slices, to Brunetti for bringing us such divine gelato (along with Brunetti's Grace and Erwin for serving), and to Indigo Vodka for creating a very special signature La Mama Cocktail! All delish, all available now at La Mama HQ at AVANT GUARDS - still going strong and will be going even stronger through to 5pm! Every slice, scoop and slurp results in a donation to La Mama's OUR NEXT ACT - so come on down to the show!

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS: Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
📷 Darren Gill
🕰 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
ℹ️ Find out more here: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

UPDATE! So far today we've raised $8265! Thank you to all the superstars who've given to La Mama's future and the future...
14/12/2024

UPDATE! So far today we've raised $8265! Thank you to all the superstars who've given to La Mama's future and the future of Australian independent theatre! Remember that Creative Australia will match every dollar up to $50,000 today, so if you can, please dig deep so we can double it!

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS: Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
🕰 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
ℹ️ Find out more here: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

OUR NEXT ACT FUNDRAISING UPDATE! Thank you, you absolute rockstars who have donated! The total now sits at $6923! There'...
14/12/2024

OUR NEXT ACT FUNDRAISING UPDATE! Thank you, you absolute rockstars who have donated! The total now sits at $6923! There's only four and a bit hours left to be a La Mama Lover - if you can, do donate; if not, do spread the word! Much love Xx

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS: Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
🕰 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

Amazing work, team!! We’re already on the way and it’s only just past twelve!! Thank you so much to all you trailblazers...
14/12/2024

Amazing work, team!! We’re already on the way and it’s only just past twelve!! Thank you so much to all you trailblazers who donated to OUR NEXT ACT this morning! There’s still five hours to go! Pop in, watch the show, bid on the artwork, eat gelato, grab some vinyl - we’ll see you here!! Much love Xx

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS: Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
🕰 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

✨TODAY'S THE DAY!✨ The final day of our fund-raising campaign ✨OUR NEXT ACT✨ and every dollar you give to La Mama's futu...
13/12/2024

✨TODAY'S THE DAY!✨ The final day of our fund-raising campaign ✨OUR NEXT ACT✨ and every dollar you give to La Mama's future today will be matched by Creative Australia's Plus1! So dig deep knowing that your dollar will stretch twice as far - Saturday December 14 only!

And join us at 💚AVANT GUARDS💚 - our all-day show that you can pop in and out of, eat gelato, grab a bevvie, have a slice, bid on some stunning James Clayden paintings, and watch La Mama staff, volunteers and board along with Pony Cam as we literally sing for our supper!

📆 PLUS1 Matched Funding: Dec 14 ALL DAY
📆 AVANT GUARDS Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
🕰 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
ℹ️ Find out more about OUR NEXT ACT: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/our-next-act/
ℹ️ Find out more about AVANT GUARDS: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

Did you catch our CEO and Director Caitlin Dullard chatting all things AVANT GUARDS in the loveliest interview with Jaci...
13/12/2024

Did you catch our CEO and Director Caitlin Dullard chatting all things AVANT GUARDS in the loveliest interview with Jacinta Parsons and Brian Nankervis on ABC Melbourne's The Friday Review?

"The amount of works that have been created in the La Mama space, the amount of actors who've walked through those doors, warmed their hands at the fire, greeted audience members who are stunned by the bold and provocative new work - it's so essential that it keeps going for this town." - Brian Nankervis.

"Because I guess what's really important about La Mama, and has been forever, is where it sits in the whole strata of theatre in this country and in this city, it's very much so close to its audience, it's grassroots, isn't it? And you're getting great playwrights coming through and honing their craft at a place like La Mama." - Jacinta Parsons.

Two such divine folk to share some airtime with - thank you for having us.

Make sure you catch us tomorrow Saturday only at La Mama HQ for AVANT GUARDS - the all-day show with La Mama X Pony Cam and the final day of our critical fundraiser OUR NEXT ACT - pop in and out as you please - kicking off at 11am with the Grand Finale at 5pm, auction, gelato, beverages, pizza, performance - what more could you want? Don't forget - donations up to $50,000 will be matched tomorrow by Creative Australia's Plus1.

📆 Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
📆 Artwork auction: James Clayden paintings, bidding commences at 11am
ℹ️ Find out more about OUR NEXT ACT: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/our-next-act/
ℹ️ Find out more about AVANT GUARDS: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/
🎙 Listen to interview here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/thefridayrevue

We have an incredibly exciting announcement to make about this Saturday's AVANT GUARDS: We have just received the extrao...
13/12/2024

We have an incredibly exciting announcement to make about this Saturday's AVANT GUARDS: We have just received the extraordinarily generous gift of several recent paintings by acclaimed artist James Clayden to auction for donations throughout the day on Saturday. Anyone who's been to La Mama will likely have seen his work - James' metalwork is an intrinsic part of the La Mama rebuild and he literally lights up our workplaces each day with his stunning copper fittings.

As a fine artist, he has exhibited in nearly 50 group and solo shows. James' work is held in numerous collections, including the Australian National Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria, and Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

The paintings will be auctioned by donation starting from $500. The paintings will be available to bid on, only on Saturday 14 Dec, only at La Mama HQ 205 Faraday St Carlton. Bidding commences at 11am; final bid at 5:30pm.

We are so grateful to James for this gift.

Pictured - a small sample of what will be on offer on Saturday:

24/ Diptych • The river runs on 2023
acrylic on 2 canvases both 1020x510mm

35/ Found and alone 2023
acrylic on canvas 1020x810mm

38/ The actor relates, late 2023
acrylic on canvas 1020x810mm

28/ Don't give up 2023
acrylic on canvas 1000x1000mm

📆 AVANT GUARDS Dec 14 from 11am - come & go as you please!
ℹ️ Find out more about the day: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/

Congratulations to Emmanuelle Mattana and Faye Bendrups - both have created shows that began life at La Mama, and now ha...
12/12/2024

Congratulations to Emmanuelle Mattana and Faye Bendrups - both have created shows that began life at La Mama, and now have headed or are about to head off to NYC!

Faye's show The Fabulous Life of Lina Prokofiev premiered at La Mama in 2023 under the title I Shall Go Out Across the Snow Covered Field. The play was one of the bestsellers in the United Solo Festival at Theatre Row on 42nd St, and took out Best Actress Award for Faye and Best Musician for Guillermo Anad.

And it's just been announced that Emmanuelle's uber successful Trophy Boys that started life as a La Mama Explorations piece and has since toured nationally to critical acclaim, will find new life at Off-Broadways's MCC Theatre in June 2025, under the direction of Tony Award-winning Dayna Taymor.

Love and congrats to both! We're so utterly thrilled that these pieces could find a home with us, and the opportunity to develop into shows that the world wants to see. Our fundraiser OUR NEXT ACT finishes this Saturday, and on Saturday every dollar you give will be doubled via Creative Australia's Plus1. We encourage you to do so, because we feel in our bones that the work we can continue doing, and the platform we can continue to offer artists in this country is both profound and necessary.

We so hope to see you all at the theatre this Saturday for AVANT GUARDS.

ℹ Find out more: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/our-next-act/
📷 1. Emmanuelle Mattana, and 2. Faye Bendrups from I Shall Go Out Across the Snow Covered Field by Darren Gill at La Mama.

Playing this Saturday at our HQ party (following our full day show AVANT GUARDS with the Grand Finale at 5pm) are JARABI...
10/12/2024

Playing this Saturday at our HQ party (following our full day show AVANT GUARDS with the Grand Finale at 5pm) are JARABI BAND (pictured) and CIGGY BUTTS. Come for a boogie and a catch up as we celebrate the end of our fundraising campaign before we embark on the work of our next act.

5:45pm CIGGY BUTTS: a brand new trio playing a wild mix of trad jazz, emo-theatre-kid vibes and sing-alongs for all ages. Led by trombonist/singer Griffin Youngs, they'll keep you guessing at every turn, with Jono Brown bringing the bass from down-town, and Hue Blanes on keys, famous for hosting the most prestigious jazz festival jams to grace this fine city. Just remember, if you encounter a ciggy butt in real life please dispose of us responsibly.

Griffin Youngs - trombone/vocals
Hue Blanes - keyboard
Jonathon Brown - bass

From 6:45pm JARABI BAND: Jarabi Band leads audiences on a dynamic journey from the ancient Manding Empire of West Africa to modern-day city life, weaving the timeless musical traditions of Guinea with contemporary sounds of Naarm’s vivid music scene. Led by visionary master musician Mohamed Camara, Jarabi crafts a unique fusion of infectious rhythms, intricate melodies and soul-stirring vocals. Driven by a deep desire to share Guinea’s music and culture with the world, Mohamed has assembled a group of exceptionally talented musicians who share his vision. Together, Jarabi create a musical experience that ignites the stage and fills the dance floor!

Mohamed Camara - djembe, kora, vocals
Anna Camara - balafon, dunun, backing vocals
Thomas E Rouch - guitar, backing vocals
Georgia Frey - bass guitar
Stuart Byrne - saxophone
Madison Carter - drums

📷 Jarabi Band by Brendan Bonsack from La Mama Musica
ℹ Find out more about AVANT GUARDS: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/
ℹ Find out more about OUR NEXT ACT: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/our-next-act/

Plus1: EVERY DOLLAR DOUBLED THIS SATURDAYWe are thrilled to announce that in celebration of our final day of performance...
09/12/2024

Plus1: EVERY DOLLAR DOUBLED THIS SATURDAY

We are thrilled to announce that in celebration of our final day of performance before we close for a strategic restructure in 2025, donations up to $50,000 made this Saturday will be DOUBLED, making a potential $100,000 impact in forging our future.

This is only for our day of AVANT GUARDS - our durational show with Pony Cam and our final show until 2026 - and the final day of our critical fundraising campaign.

Avant Guards is taking place from 11am on Saturday 14 December to interrogate and celebrate La Mama's past and its potential future.

Whether you enjoy a signature Indigo Vodka La Mama cocktail, a slice of DOC pizza, a scoop of Brunetti gelato, or you grab yourself some festive season presents, every dollar spent throughout the day at La Mama HQ will be matched by Creative Australia's Plus1 program.

This show will run all day from 11am! Come down for an hour, come down for the whole day, or join us for the big finale celebration at 5pm to embrace this moment in La Mama's history. And if you can't join us, every donation made online will also be doubled!

We are so deeply grateful for the enormous support we have received so far - we would be nowhere without the generosity of our community.

Saturday will be the last opportunity for us to gather together and support OUR NEXT ACT before we embark on the essential work required to guarantee La Mama's future.

Please join us so we can forge this future together.

Love La Mama XX

📆 Dec 14
ℹ️ AVANT GUARDS: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/avant-guards/
ℹ️ OUR NEXT ACT: https://lamama.com.au/support-la-mama/our-next-act/

Address

205 Faraday Street
Melbourne, VIC
3053

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 4pm
Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+61393476948

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Our Story

La Mama is a not for profit, independent theatre with a distinct artist focus. Treasured for its continued advocacy of those seeking to explore beyond the mainstream theatre, La Mama champions artistic freedom and individuality. Providing the integral foundational resources and support for new and experienced theatre makers, La Mama ensures artist remuneration, celebrates creative risk and pedestals the development of new vibrant work.

La Mama prioritises accessibility and celebrates it’s excitingly diverse community, warmly welcoming artists and audiences alike from a wide cross section of the community. With its rich history spanning over fifty years, La Mama stimulates work that is adventurous, vigorous, relevant and reflective of a vital range of needs and voices.

La Mama is home to many and open to all.