Over 2,000 Turn Out to Protest Closure of Sydney's Divine Playhouse

A rally protesting the closure of new Sydney live venue, Divine Playhouse, took place in Hyde Park on Saturday.

Just eight days after its opening, the Kent Street venue - a church until it was deconsecrated in the 1930s - was shut down last week. According to a statement, the eviction was based on the legal grounds of “offensive trade” – a term originating from an 1842 New South Wales law introduced to regulate foul smells and industrial waste.

It came just days after Divine Playhouse was forced to temporarily close its doors, after Christian groups protested the venue’s programming, claiming it mocked religious beliefs. As The Music Network previously reportedviously reported, the landlord had issued Heaps Gay Events with a breach notice directing it to “cease engaging in offensive trade”.

The crowd protested through songs, led by Aunty Jonny and Victoria Falconer-Pritchard, including John Farnham's "You're the Voice," and Madonna's "Like a Prayer."

"We are offensive trade!" "Queer joy is not offensive," Falconer-Pritchard told the crowd. "The performing arts and nightlife of this city make it one of the best cities in the world."

Those in attendance also heard speeches from Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Miller, NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, MEAA delegate Charley Allanah, drag artist Etcetera Etcetera and broadcaster Benjamin Law, with statements of support from NSW Arts Minister John Graham and Independent MP Alex Greenwich.

"Diversity is what makes us stronger as humans. This theatre was never designed to offend or exclude - quite the opposite: it was created as a place to connect, to express, and to spark joy," Reverend Jon Owen, Pastor of Wayside Chapel, said in his speech.

"To those who can't see the beauty and magnificence of what I see before me: you are invited to dialogue."

Since the closure and protest, almost 20,000 people have signed a petition supporting Divine Playhouse, while almost $50,000 has been raised in legal costs.

"This week we packed up 420 Kent Street. After two months of blood, sweat and tears, the doors are closed. But then today happened - a park filled with love," founder Kat Dopper said.

"And this is where community wins. Thank you to everyone who has stood with us these past couple of weeks. It was never just about the building - it’s about the art and the people. So Divine Playhouse will live on. We’re only just getting started."

From Rolling Stone AU/NZ