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What killed Darlinghurst Theatre Company?

Darlinghurst Theatre Company entered voluntary administration last week. The complex narrative around its decline is a warning for other organisations.

26 Jun 2024 7:42

David Burton

Performing Arts

‘Once’ by Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Photo: Robert Catto, 10 June, 2021. Image: Instagram and Twitter @robertcatto Facebook @robertcattophotographer.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company (DTC) announced last week that it was entering into voluntary administration.

In talking with key staff from the Company’s recent history, ArtsHub can reveal a complex set of circumstances leading up to last week’s announcement. There is no single smoking gun or cackling anti-arts villain, but a predictable set of events: a lack of substantial funding, staff burnout and changeover, and pivots in programming to fulfil commercial and artistic ambitions.

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David Burton

David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.