On stage: theatre in Sydney
The theatre has been an important part of social life in Sydney from the early days of the colony. Since then, Sydney audiences have been enthusiastic consumers of staged entertainment of all kinds. Over the years, tastes have changed, but Sydney has seen a broad range of performance styles, including dramatic and comedic stage plays, vaudeville and variety shows, dance and cabaret, ballet and opera.
The State Library of NSW has extensive photographic collections relating to theatre and performance dating from the latter half of the nineteenth century. These photographs document theatre performances and rehearsals; audiences and premieres; actors and stagehands; and the theatre buildings themselves.
> View photographs of theatre people: actors, stagehands, designers and directors
> Explore photographs of the entertainments: performances and rehearsals on diverse Sydney stages
