The History of the Genesian Theatre
The Genesian Theatre Company came into being from a meeting of members of the Catholic Youth Organisation intent upon forming a full scale dramatic group. This meeting was held on 15th August, 1944. Named for St Genesius, Patron Saint of Actors, The Genesian Theatre Company has developed into a strong theatre company over the years.
Monday 29th January 1945 was the Opening Night of the Genesians first production. This was The Comedian by Henri Ghéon, a drama about St. Genesius, patron saint of actors reputedly martyred by Diocletian in the year 303 A.D. and from whom the name of our theatre is derived.
Between 1945 and 1954 the Genesians used a variety of venues for their productions. Some of the theatres used were the Australian Hall (later Rivoli Theatre), the Sydney Radio Theatre, the Conservatorium, Manresa Hall, and the Capitol Theatre. Our present theatre was originally a church dedicated to St John the Evangelist, opened on Sunday 4th October 1868.
Please contact the theatre historian and archivist Grant using the form below.