UPDATE: A groundbreaking exhibition titled Diva is set to debut on December 11, 2023, at the newly established Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) within the Arts Centre Melbourne. This exhibition showcases some of the most iconic costumes in performing arts history, including pieces worn by legendary figures like Nellie Melba, Marilyn Monroe, and Rihanna.
This exhibition is not just a display; it’s a cultural moment aimed at reclaiming the term “diva,” which has historically been used as a pejorative. Sandra Bruce, AMPA’s director of collections and exhibitions, emphasized that being a successful, autonomous woman should be celebrated, saying, “
There’s nothing wrong with being extraordinarily successful and autonomous and having agency as a woman.
”
The AMPA will occupy nearly 500 square meters of space, a former restaurant area, allowing the Arts Centre to expand its collection accumulated since 1975. This includes costumes from Melba and the archives of the once-prominent JC Williamson’s theatre company. The exhibition will offer a ticketed entry, providing a crucial revenue stream for the arts center after experiencing losses of $43 million over the past two financial years.
Highlights of the Diva exhibition include:
– A purple silk and ermine gown worn by Dame Nellie Melba as Desdemona in Otello (1900).
– The iconic fringed black dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot (1959).
– Rihanna’s jewel-encrusted papal robes from the 2018 Met Gala.
– Costumes by renowned designer Bob Mackie, including outfits worn by Cher and Tina Turner.
Also featured will be notable ensembles like Kylie Minogue’s red catsuit from her Padam Padam video and Billie Eilish’s Glastonbury outfit designed by Stella McCartney.
This exhibition not only opens a door to appreciating the artistry behind these costumes but also invites a broader conversation about women’s empowerment in the performing arts. As AMPA prepares for its grand opening, anticipation is building among art and music enthusiasts alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as the opening date approaches, and mark your calendars for this unmissable celebration of iconic female figures in performing arts.
