In collaboration with interactive media specialists Sandpit, this innovative piece breathes new life into the city’s oldest heritage theatre, blending traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology. Commissioned by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and delivered by Guildhouse, the artwork graces the western exterior of the Queen’s Theatre and celebrates its rich and fascinating history.
As the oldest mainland theatre in Australia still in operation, the Queen’s Theatre is an enduring symbol of Adelaide’s vibrant cultural heritage. Drawing on over a decade of research, The Queen’s Wall highlights seven pivotal moments from the theatre’s storied past, offering a dynamic visual journey through its many guises. From its grand opening in 1841 by Emanuel Solomon to its time as a horse bazaar and even a car park, the Queen’s Theatre has borne witness to almost two centuries of cultural evolution.
Key highlights of the artwork include:
- The Opening in 1841: The first performance at the theatre was Shakespeare’s Othello, with Cordelia Cameron as Desdemona.
- Supreme Court Sessions: From 1843 to 1850, the stage was repurposed for South Australia’s Supreme Court, with Yanggara serving as the Narrunga interpreter.
- The First Court Case on Theatre Censorship: In 1851, performer John Lazar took the critics to court – and won!
- The Royal Victoria Theatre: Between 1851 and 1868, the theatre was renamed the Royal Victoria Theatre, with the Grand Italian Opera performed there in 1861, featuring Giovanna Bianchi.
- Theatre to Horse Bazaar: In 1877, the Queen’s Theatre was converted into a horse bazaar, housing over 165 horses.
- Artistic Reclamation: After serving as a car park, the space was reclaimed by artists in 1996, returning to its theatrical roots.
To make this historical journey even more immersive, Sandpit has created an interactive app. Visitors can scan the mural with their smartphones to bring the figures to life, explore the theatre’s interior during different historical periods, and listen to audio scenes or imagined interviews with key figures from the past.
“The Queen’s Wall is a journey through time and space, inspired by my passion for spatial theatre design. I envisioned it as a vibrant reflection of a theatre community, brought to life through the collective creativity of many talented artists. It’s a living dialogue between the past and present,” Mary says.
The project brought together more than 30 freelance artists, four digital companies, and two creative organisations, with a further five performing arts companies contributing moving images for inclusion in the app. The design and visualisation of the theatre’s past, now accessible through the app, was made possible by ten years of archival research.
Since its reclamation in 1996, more than 460 artists have performed at the Queen’s Theatre, adding to its legacy. The Queen’s Wall blends art, history, and technology, ensuring the theatre’s stories will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
Images: Lana Adams.
See the Queen’s Wall at Queen’s Theatre (23-31 Playhouse Lane, Adelaide).
