With a rich history spanning over 50 years and a national profile, La Mama is Australia’s home of independent theatre. It plays a critical role in the national arts landscape, providing a space for new responsive and risk-taking work to occur. La Mama has a distinct artist focus and provides a unique audience experience. Treasured for its continued advocacy of those seeking to explore beyond the mainstream, La Mama champions artistic individuality and freedom, prioritises accessibility and celebrates a diverse community of artists and audiences alike.
Synonymous with this cultural icon is the intimate setting in which its performance takes place. In La Mama, both artists and audiences are challenged and invigorated by the knowledge that there is nowhere to hide, no whisper that will not carry and no movement that won’t be studied for meaning.
Over half a century, La Mama has presented nearly 2,500 shows; with each year becoming more jam-packed than the last. The arts hub now averages approximately 50 primary seasons annually, as well as 30 Explorations developments, monthly music and poetica events, regular touring through its Mobile program, as well as learning productions, play readings, and special events.
La Mama’s core mission is to provide independent artists from across Australia with opportunities to develop, practice and present work. La Mama is an open, accessible space actively breaking down barriers to the arts through programs, initiatives, affordable ticketing and a welcoming ethos which has developed over the past five decades. La Mama is home to many and open to all.
La Mama is on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. They give their respect to the Elders of this country and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people past, present and future. They acknowledge all events take place on stolen lands and that sovereignty was never ceded.
