Downstage will rise again
Hilary Beaton.
Last week, New Zealand’s oldest theatre announced it was in serious financial trouble and cancelling shows for the rest of the year. Three full-time staff members will lose their jobs and two work reduced hours. Nineteen artists and two playwrights will also be out of pocket with shows axed including Kiwi play The Intricate Art of Actually Caring and the large-scale Kiwi musical Raising the Titanics.
But Sue Paterson, executive director of the International Arts Festival says the changes at Downstage would have no impact on next year’s festival which would continue to use the theatre as a venue for performances.
“We’ve got a fantastic season with Downstage for next year and we’re very excited,” Paterson says.
She says the festival is continuing to support Downstage and has been able to employ one of the staff members being laid off by the theatre.
“Downstage plays a vital role in the theatre infrastructure of Wellington. It’s been a tough year for all of the arts so we’re all working together more collaboratively.” Paterson says.
Downstage chief executive and director Hilary Beaton says while questions have been raised about the viability of having three professional theatres in the Capital, Downstage has played a vital role in the infrastructure of Wellington theatre.
“Downstage is a real lynch pin in Wellington’s theatre structure,” Beaton says. “A number of our shows are joint productions with other theatre companies and artists, with the theatre taking the box office risk and providing other support. We have also put more emphasis on New Zealand plays and shows.”
She says the theatre remains committed to the presenting partner model and working in partnership with the independent sector.
“The presenting partners model has been very successful and creates a small surplus. We will bring it back next year but in a reduced capacity.”
Beaton says she’s been heartened by the support received from artists, Creative New Zealand and the International Arts Festival since announcing the decision to cancel shows.
“Creative New Zealand is supportive of the course of action we have taken to ensure the company’s survival. We’re working very hard to ensure the future of the company and it is possible, but it does require capital with a big capital C.”
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