It was 1967, the Summer of Love was upon us (not me, personally. I didn’t even almost exist) and free love, high-grade hallucinogens and flairs were changing the lives of young people everywhere. In the midst of this mayhem Betty Burstall took it upon herself to help reinvent Australian theatre. She was inspired by a trip to the Big Apple where, with limited pennies in her pockets, she experienced New York’s alternative (and dirt-cheap) underground performing arts scene. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before and with this unconventional form of theatre in mind she founded La Mama in July 1967. Forty-three years later and La Mama is going strong, continuing to fuel and support Australia’s contemporary performing arts scene, delving into all forms of the performing arts including theatre, poetry, music and dance.

The building that houses La Mama Theatre was built back in 1883 and during its long history it has been a printer, boot factory and silk underwear factory among other things. A building as old as this is surely haunted by a ghost or two- I’ve heard rumours of silk-underwear-clad ghouls rattling printing presses and stomping around in boots after dark. 

The best thing about La Mama is the intimacy between audience and performer. You won’t be counting any fourth walls here. The small space means you’re plonked right in the action. You can see the sweat, feel the heat and hear the heavy breathing. It’s exactly how theatre should be- raw, gritty and with free tea and coffee at interval.