Ensemble Theatre is Australia’s longest continuously running professional theatre company. Based in Kirribilli, on the edge of Sydney Harbour, Ensemble pride themselves on presenting and performing the best of international plays, beloved classics and new Australian works. Founded in 1958, Ensemble continues to produce live theatre of the highest quality that entertains, educates, enlightens and challenges.
In 2023 the Foundation became an Ensemble Ed Partner, supporting their Education and Outreach program. The program focuses on engaging with and providing access to students that would otherwise not have the means or opportunity to experience live theatre. The Dedicated School’s Performances are often the first interaction with live theatre for many students and includes not only the performance but also a Q&A session with cast and creatives. The Dedicated School’s Performances and the Education Program as a whole, is vital in encouraging the next generation of theatregoers and creative artists.
BLACK COCKATOO follows the journey of the first Australian International test cricket team to tour England in 1868 made up of thirteen Aboriginal men from Western Victoria. In 2019/2020, the Foundation supported the creative development and cultural consultancy for Ensemble’s production of BLACK COCKATOO. With an all First Nations cast and directed by Wesley Enoch, this production tells the story of Unaarrimin (also known as Johnny Mullagh), a Jadawadjali man who became Australia’s first Indigenous sporting hero. The production not only celebrated their achievement but brought to light the dispossession of Australia’s First People and the documented beginning of the Stolen Generation.
Since 2016, The Balnaves Foundation has supported Ensemble Theatre in their sustainability and growth across the areas of philanthropy, marketing, public relations and education functions. This support aims to grow Ensemble’s subscriber base and ticket sales, strengthening its place as a significant theatre company in the Sydney market.
To find out more about Ensemble Theatre, including their current productions, click here.