Conserve

The Show Must Go On

BY JAMES BOSANQUET, ARCHIVES & LIBRARY MANAGER

What does a pot of rouge, a Noel Coward programme and the designs for Hoyts in George St have in common? They’re all part of a special collection of images, props, listings, plans and correspondence that the National Trust is slowly and carefully digitising to preserve and celebrate our state’s theatrical history. Here we explore items and stories from one of Australia’s most prestigious heritage theatres – the Minerva.

Tough but glamorous beginning The Minerva had a shaky start when it opened its doors in Potts Point in 1939. It was born during the sly grog era when razor gangs ran Kings Cross. Competition between venues was intense, and audiences were low. But the Minerva persisted, putting on live theatre – particularly comedies and dramas – through the War Years. Noel Coward was a popular choice. In 1940, the witty and sophisticated British actor and writer attended the opening of his play Design For Living at the Minerva. Coward’s popularity was such that the Sydney Morning Herald likened the scene to “an episode from a Royal tour”.

The Minerva featured many other famous plays of the 1940s – Gaslight, Of Mice and Men, Reunion in Vienna and Good Morning, Bill. It also put on productions by JC Williamson, the dominant theatrical agency in Australia at the time. The National Trust collection includes many original show programmes from the Minerva’s early live theatre years. JC Williamson’s programmes, in particular, are great fun – glossy and gossipy, they brought a touch of glamour to audiences. The collection also includes photos of matinee stars as well as advertisements of the day, such as for Mercolized Wax, Elizabeth Arden ‘permanent’ wave cream and music lessons for your ‘gifted’ child.

Hairy times at the Metro The Minerva continued to show live theatre until 1950, when MGM bought it and renamed it the Metro Theatre. In 1969 Harry M Miller brought Hair to the Metro at a time when obscenity laws censored rock stars and performers, such as Joe Cocker. Hair was contentious for onstage nudity and casual use of obscenities. But Miller encouraged the controversy: “No sane person could possibly find offence in Hair,” he told the Herald. The production ran for two years.

In 1976 the National Trust recognised the Metro Minerva as the epitome of the ‘Moderne’ expressionist-inspired designs of the late 1930s and added it to its heritage register. But not everyone was happy, and our archival

Right from top left Program from Good Morning, Bill, Minerva Theatre; The production Hair ran at the Metro Minerva from 1969-1971 (photo c.1970, National Trust; Marie Ney program, Minerva Theatre; Montage of programs, Minerva Theatre (images by Yemaya and Rani).

Opposite Metro Minerva (via Metro Minerva Theatre Action Group).

collection includes stormy correspondence about the decision. “It was not constructed as a cinema, but as a live theatre venue ... As owners of the building, we do not want the property classified”, says a letter to the National Trust in 1976. The letter was forwarded with an internal memo: “When you get a chance in the New Year, would you be good enough to let me have your comments”. Beneath the memo, the National Trust’s David Sheedy replied in careful copperplate: “Alright – so it was built as a theatre! ... If Mr Stretton can show me a better example of this type of theatre I may consider withdrawing the submission.”

By 1977 the Metro Minerva had stopped trading and briefly became a food stall fair. A memo held in our collection reveals a meeting in 1979 to discuss turning the property into a shopping centre. A note underneath reads, “she [unnamed] claims it has never made any money!” However, the National Trust worked to ensure the site remained substantially intact. The Metro Minerva was subsequently sold to Kennedy-Miller as a film studio, which produced a string of local and international blockbuster movies, including Mad Max, The Dismissal, Bodyline, Babe and Happy Feet.

A lively future? Theatre brings the past alive in ways other heritage cannot. Theatre gives its audience a shared emotional experience. The Minerva is more than ZigZig Art Deco, concealed lighting and chrome balustrades. It is alive with a rich history and the fight to conserve our past. The archive collection that the National Trust is digitising protects the drama-comedies of the past and offers current and future generations the opportunity to stay connected with this important part of our history.

Although it was granted State Heritage listing in 2021, the future of the Minerva is still uncertain. With much current talk about re-establishing a theatre district, it is hoped the Minerva can once again have a starring role.

Conserving your photos at home

Paper-based objects like documents and photos can often show evidence of damage from storage, handling and pests. A common problem is 'foxing', which appears as little brown spots and is a type of mould. To prolong the life of your photos, store them away from direct light and only handle the edges. Make sure people wash their hands if they want to handle them. Ideally, you should store photos between sheets of acid-proof tissue paper or in sleeves that are polyester and acid-proof. Avoid using adhesives or sticky tape as this can cause damage. If you are digitising photos, choose a high-resolution format and be choosy. Printing digital photographs and storing them in an album by event and year remains a great way of displaying images for guests and quickly locating pictures. There are plenty of digital services that allow you to upload from your phone or computer and assemble a book that you can have delivered.