Forum Theatre
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The Forum Theatre (formerly known as the "State Theatre") is a theatre located on the corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street in the central business district of Melbourne, Australia. The building was designed by American architect John Eberson, along with local architectural firm Bohringer, Taylor & Johnson.
When it opened in February 1929, the theatre had the largest seating capacity in Australia, holding 3371 people. It features a Moorish Revival exterior, with minarets and a clock tower. The interior features reproductions of Greco-Roman statuary.
In the 1960s the theatre was converted into two cinemas, the Forum and the Rapallo, by cinema chain Greater Union. In 1978 the Forum was listed on the Historic Buildings Register. In 1981 renovations took place, dividing the complex into Forum I and Forum II.
In 1985 it was taken over by the Melbourne Revival Centre, a Christian organisation. In 1995 it was purchased by Staged Developments Australia, who redeveloped it for use as a film and concert venue.
Today, it is used for concerts by many inspirational bands and artists, hosting performances by Oasis, Cat Power, The Grates, Dirty Three and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs among others. It is also a venue for the annual Melbourne International Film Festival.
[edit] References
- Thorne, Ross, Picture Palace Architecture in Australia, Sun Books Pty. Ltd., South Melbourne, Victoria, 1976
| Theatre in Melbourne | |
|---|---|
| Major Venues | Athenaeum | Capitol Theatre | Comedy Theatre | Forum Theatre | Her Majesty's | La Mama | Malthouse Theatre | National Theatre | Palais Theatre | Princess Theatre | Regent Theatre | State Theatre |
| Major Companies | Melbourne Theatre Company | Playbox Theatre Company | Red Stitch Actors Theatre | Theatreworks |
