For the Haven Amphitheatre.
A few weeks ago Robert Sheldon reminded me that in 1976 the then community of Castlecrag came together to celebrate our Griffin Heritage as part of Sydney's American Bicentennial celebration of that year.
As our part of that Event, the community chose to clear the Griffin inspired Castlecrag Amphitheatre of debris and years of neglect and produce the first play in 25 years.
Since that very successful reopening, (a three week season of Oscar Wilde's Salome) the Haven Amphitheatre has presented many wonderful theatrical and musical events including performances by stars of the Australian Opera, the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, Jazz concerts, Poetry readings, plays, community events, the occasional wedding, arties and pantomimes and our now legendary Carols on Christmas Eve.
The theatre is cared for and run by a very dedicated committee of local residents and supported by Willoughby City Council. During the new working life of the amphitheatre it has been necessary to raise the finance to replace the stage three times because of rotting timbers.
Now with a stage that will last well into the future, the committee has embarked on a program of financing and installing a first class lighting and audio system to enable future productions at the Haven to be presented in the most successful way.
It is the committee's intention to pass on to future residents of Castlecrag an enduring legacy of a wonderful unique Community Performance Space unlike any other.
Yes Robert! It has been thirty very good years for the Haven Amphitheatre.
Howard Rubie
Chairman Haven Amphitheatre Castlecrag 0418648870
