Dramatic History Launched
On Friday 9 September, Canberra Repertory launched a thorough reference work and memory jogger written by seasoned REP member Jonathan Pearson: the book What’s a Show? The Chronicles of Canberra Repertory Society Shows 1932–2015.
The book, the product of three years’ meticulous research through the REP archives, locally focused data-sets on climate and population, and the National Library’s Trove archive, was revised multiple times to reduce errors to near zero, and lists, amongst other things, all the known shows and people who have ever been involved with REP. The book allows anybody with an interest in REP to explore REP’s history, to remember friends, and to follow up contemporaneous newspaper references via TROVE.
As Pearson describes it, a significant database now underlies the book. Revised editions are possible, but a planned second product of this work is a collection of the programme covers and photographs from the shows.
What’s a Show? is available for sale for $25 directly from Canberra Repertory’s box office (at Theatre 3, Acton) until sold out, all proceeds directly contributing to REP’s fundraising program.
REP members take the opportunity to promote REP's forthcoming production, She Stoops to Conquer. Photographer: John P. Harvey.
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