New Sydney theatre announces closure two months before its official opening

The Depot Theatre, a new independent theatre set to open in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville, has announced its closure two months before its official opening.

Scheduled to open in July, co-founders Julie Baz and David Jeffrey have instead issued a statement denouncing an “angry mob” for the demise of their planned venture.

The statement read “we had great plans to create a new independent theatre venue, but instead have been forced out by detractors conducting what can only be described as a witch hunt.”

Baz and Jeffrey had previously operated as the Sydney Independent Theatre Company (SITCO), producing and co-producing work at The Old Fitzroy Theatre in Woolloomooloo.

Aware of Baz and Jeffrey’s new venture, last week Zoe Angus, Director of actors alliance Equity, issued a statement from in which she urged performers to “exercise caution in any dealings with Depot Theatre” due to SITCO’s previous financial dealings.

Angus continued “we understand that the co-founders of the Depot Theatre were previously the co-artistic directors of SITCO which ran the Old Fitz.

“MEAA has been assisting a number of performers who are still owed money by SITCO.

“(Therefore) Equity urges performers to exercise caution in any dealings with Depot Theatre and to seek further advice prior to entering into any arrangements with this company.”

In their statement announcing their decision to pre-emptively close The Depot Theatre, Baz and Jeffrey admitted to making “some mistakes along the way” during their time at The Old Fitz, as a result of which they had been ostracised by a “cool group” who had attacked their plans for The Depot Theatre.

Baz and Jeffrey’ statement added “the angry mob will no doubt declare that we brought the whole situation on ourselves as they jump up and down with glee at our demise.

“Some will pat themselves on the back confident that order has been restored, while others will return to lamenting the lack of venues in Sydney to stage their productions once they realise that they too have been rejected by the ‘cool group’.”

The pair thanked their supporters in the statement, adding “we are devastated, our spirits are crushed and our hearts are broken due to the loss of our lifelong passion which was simply to produce quality theatre for appreciative audiences.

“But we have our health and wonderful friends and family, all of which are far more important than our theatrical ambitions.”

Baz and Jeffrey’s statement concluded by advising theatre-goers who had already purchased tickets for The Depot Theatre’s inaugural production of The Cherry Orchard that they would soon receive refunds.

27th November 2014 - OLD FITZ THEATRE’S NEW MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL SEASON