A recent survey has shown that Christchurch is more than eager for the return of the city’s iconic theatre company, The Court Theatre.
In the wake of the February earthquake The Court Theatre's tenancy was terminated at the Arts Centre, the company’s home for the last 35 years. In the subsequent months, Court staff have worked tirelessly to resurrect the theatre in a new location.
As a part of their efforts, The Court sent an online survey to previous attendees in order to gauge public feeling as to whether the city was ready to enjoy a night out again. The results were overwhelmingly positive.
Four hundred and twenty responses were received in less than twenty-four hours and The Court has been given much additional motivation to bring theatre back to Christchurch as soon as possible.
Ninety-four percent of those surveyed “Strongly believe that The Court is a vital part of the fabric of Christchurch” and feel “It is essential to the cultural life of Christchurch that The Court secures a new home as soon as possible”. Ninety two percent of the respondents strongly agreed that “The Court must be an integral part of the Christchurch rebuild”.
The most heartening result of the survey, however, were the personal messages of support participants supplied with their survey answers. Messages include:
“Please give us back The Court as soon as possible. We are having withdrawal problems!”
“The Court Theatre is a treasure and should be preserved."
“Now, more than ever, we need you guys”
“What is unquestionably the best professional live theatre in New Zealand and possible Australasia must rise phoenix-like from the ashes if Christchurch is to be a modern city."
Chief Executive Philip Aldridge said “The words of support we have received have been incredibly moving – and motivating – for the company.”
The Court will stage two productions, the comedy FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS and children’s show HANSEL AND GRETEL, in Burnside High School’s Aurora Centre in mid-July.
Full survey results and a selection of comments follow.
Selection of Survey Comments/Feedback
“Christchurch needs to keep it's soul!”
“Live theatre has always been a part of any civilized society. Without it, no society can be whole and not fully healthy. That we have in Christchurch a company that consistently maintains the highest of international standards is of benefit not only to the community here, but absolutely for the whole of New Zealand. It is also remarkable.”
“The Court Theatre is a treasure and should be preserved.”
“Please give us back the COURT as soon as possible. We are having withdrawal problems.”
“The Court Theatre company has proved itself to be an integral part of Christchurch Artistic life - more successfully than any other New Zealand professional company - and has had undying support over its many years. In a city of the cultural reputation of Christchurch it would be a tragedy if this was not enabled again - and soon!”
“The Court Theatre, with its outstanding productions and talented actors, is one of the reasons for living in Christchurch. We can not sit back and witness its demise. Please send out an SOS to Mayor Bob and CERA. We must have some light at the end of the tunnel!”
“We have really missed attending the Court Theatre as it has become an important part of our life. The Court Theatre is like an extension of our family and at the moment our family is incomplete.”
“Christchurch is well known for its excellent standard of acting and as a premium training ground for actors. Every effort should be made to retain this advantage for the city.”
“I feel that the Government needs to put as much money into the arts - theatre and music as it seems to have unlimited supply for sports such as rugby!!”
“As the foremost professional theatre in New Zealand with a long history of top quality productions, both historical and modern, we cannot let this marvellous part of Canterbury be lost. It is integral to the fabric of my life.”
“An English city without live theatre!!! TRAGIC”
“We must do every thing we can to ensure the Court Theatre gets up and running again as soon as possible. Christchurch needs the Court Theatre more than ever now after all we have been through.”
“As the centre of creativity in New Zealand we feel totally starved of cultural activities & find it hard to justify our retirement here.”
“Now, more than ever, we need you guys.”
“Devastated that we cannot have our monthly outing to The Court.”
“What is unquestionably the best professional live theatre in New Zealand and possible Australasia must rise phoenix-like from the ashes if Christchurch is to be a modern city in all senses of the word.”
“The Court Theatre is a PROFESSIONAL company that needs all the help possible; not only for their sake but for all Christchurch and surrounding residents. We need the arts!!!!”