Melbourne's Best Independent Theatres

Curtains rise every night in Melbourne to cheering audiences anticipating the latest theatrical productions, and although there are plenty of mainstream, heritage-listed theatres to visit, many of the city’s most experimental and thought-provoking productions are held at independent theatres. Melbourne’s independent theatre scene hosts a variety of contemporary works packed with boundary-pushing narratives from emerging and established artists.

1. Malthouse Theatre

Movie Theater, Theatre

Launched in 1990 at a former brewery and malting works factory, Malthouse Theatre showcases contemporary productions which explore artistic and cultural diversity. Collaborating with local and international artists Malthouse encourages alternative perspectives declaring that they are ‘the voice of the other.’ Malthouse is comprised of three performance spaces referred to as the Merlyn, Beckett and Tower theatres, and this season’s program includes Edward II, The Fiery Maze, Gonzo, War and Peace, and Blaque Showgirls.

2. Union House

University

Run in association with the University of Melbourne, Union House Theatre has been nurturing student performances since 1969. The co-curricular theatre allows students to develop industry skills as playwrights, performers, directors, designers and technicians through workshops, performances and events. In 2015 Union House put on 30 student productions and upcoming program highlights include The Producers and The Apocalypse Bear Trilogy.

La Mama

Inspired by New York’s La MaMa on the Lower East Side, teacher Betty Burstall founded the intimate La Mama Theatre in Faraday Street, Carlton. Since 1967 the theatre has held 2,135 productions, with more than 50 new Australian works premiering annually. The not-for-profit theatre provides a rent-free venue for artists with an 80% box office return, and among the theatre’s alumni are David Williamson, Cate Blanchett and Julia Zemiro. Visit La Mama to discover experimental theatre and enjoy a cup of free coffee by the fire during intermissions.

La Mama, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia +61 03 9347 6948