The Brunswick Mechanics Institute will welcome live theatre back to its stage with two upcoming productions, marking a significant milestone for local arts. Theatre director Kimberley Twiner is set to launch her latest play, Robert the Octopus, as part of the Midsumma Festival on January 29. This production will run until February 7, following a one-off performance this Friday by UNDERARTS, a Brunswick-based theatre group dedicated to fostering original performances among children and young people.
Twiner, a founding member of the Brunswick East Entertainment Festival, has tirelessly advocated for increased theatre spaces in the Brunswick and Merri-bek areas. The Mechanics Institute, located at the intersection of Sydney Road and Dawson Street, is a heritage-listed venue owned by the Merri-bek Council. It houses a large multi-use room suitable for intimate theatre shows, which has not been fully utilized in recent years.
The venue’s renewed three-year lease with Next Wave, an independent arts organisation, mandates that the space be made more accessible to local artists. Next Wave’s chief executive officer, Elyse Goldfinch, has engaged actively with the community’s needs, assuring that the Mechanics Institute will serve as a vibrant hub for the arts, benefiting both artists and local audiences.
Twiner expressed her long-standing frustration regarding the lack of dedicated theatre spaces in Merri-bek, emphasizing that while there are numerous live music venues, the community lacks appropriate facilities for theatrical performances. “There are very, very limited opportunities and places specifically for theatre in Brunswick,” she stated. “We need fit-for-purpose theatre spaces… because there is nothing in Brunswick.”
The absence of a permanent theatre venue has hindered the development of a local culture that encourages audiences to engage with performances without needing to travel outside the area. Twiner highlighted that neighbouring municipalities such as Darebin and Moonee Valley boast dedicated theatre centres, while Merri-bek currently lacks such a facility.
Acquiring the Mechanics Institute as a venue required persistent advocacy. Twiner praised Goldfinch for her efforts, stating, “These are streets where I have been traipsing up and down for so many years… to feel that I can do my job in my community is really satisfying.” Despite the progress, Twiner noted that many community members remain unaware of the theatre opportunities available at the Mechanics Institute.
In 2024, the council opted to grant Next Wave a new lease until 2028, with options for further extensions, in exchange for a commitment to increase public access to the venue. “Brunswick is home to one of Naarm/Melbourne’s largest creative communities, and we are excited to be at the centre,” remarked Max Delany, chair of Next Wave’s board. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with local theatre makers as part of their vision for the Mechanics Institute.
The first show of the year from UNDERARTS, which is based at Balam Balam Place, is a Studio Ghibli-inspired performance featuring children aged 8 to 13. This initiative highlights the partnership between UNDERARTS and Next Wave, aimed at providing students with real-world theatre experiences.
Twiner’s production of Robert the Octopus, which has already sold out its initial nights, is a light queer comedy exploring themes of love and connection. The play features Mich McCowage as Sadie, a character who buys a pet octopus for romantic advice, leading to comedic chaos. The show promises to engage audiences aged 12 and older, with tickets priced at $40 and $30 for concession holders.
In addition to her theatrical projects, Twiner has recently initiated the Brunswick Theatre Network. This community group, which has attracted over 200 followers since its inception late last year, aims to unite theatre enthusiasts in the region, encouraging collective advocacy for support from local and state governments.
The network’s first meet-up is scheduled for this Saturday at the Co-conspirators brew pub, where theatre lovers can gather to discuss and promote the arts in Brunswick. Twiner’s efforts reflect a growing desire for more recognition and funding in the arts sector, as she noted, “There is a mismatch, but the potential is huge.”
As live theatre returns to the Brunswick Mechanics Institute, it signals a renewed commitment to the arts in the community, promising a future where local talent can thrive and audiences can enjoy performances closer to home.
