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Although Sydney's contemporary theater pays tribute to the giants of drama, it's also driven by distinctly Australian themes: multiculturalism, the troubled relations between Aboriginal and white Australia, and the search for national identity, characterized by the famous Australian irreverence. Dance, music, and the visual arts are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. At their best, Sydney's artists and performers bring a new slant to the arts, one that reflects the unique qualities of their homeland and the city itself. Standouts on the Sydney arts scene include the Sydney Dance Company, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sydney Opera House, and Belvoir Street Theatre. The most comprehensive listing of upcoming events is in "The Shortlist" section of the Sydney Morning Herald, published on Friday. On other days, browse through the entertainment section of the paper.
An acclaimed Aboriginal modern dance company, Bangarra Dance Theatre celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020. The company stages dramatic productions based on contemporary Aboriginal social themes. The performances are described as a fusion of contemporary dance and storytelling; some will have you transfixed by the sheer energy, lighting, and special effects.
Wharf Theatre, on a redeveloped wharf in the shadow of Harbour Bridge, is the headquarters of the Sydney Theatre Company (STC), one of Australia's most original and highly regarded performance groups. Contemporary British and American plays and the latest shows from leading Australian playwrights such as David Williamson and Nick Enright are the main attractions. The company also performs at the Sydney Opera House and at the new Sydney Theatre just a few doors away, located opposite Pier 6/7 at No. 22 Hickson Road.
Belvoir Street Theatre has two stages that host innovative and challenging political and social drama. The smaller downstairs space showcases a lineup of brave new Australian drama. The theater is a 10-minute walk from Central Station.
This small 120-seat venue is home of the Griffin Theatre Company, which specializes in new Australian writing.
After being closed for over two decades, the Theatre Royal reopened in late 2021 after a multimillion-dollar face-lift. First opened in 1976, it's now the home to some of the biggest Broadway shows to come out of the United States, including the award-winning Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette.
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