Wareamah Theatre

Wareamah Theatre transforms a historically colonial site that overshadows and disregards Indigenous narratives, into a powerful location that confronts and uncovers the continual struggle for reconciliation. This reflects a broader identity issue, as Australia leans on colonialism and multiculturalism to define itself while overlooking a deep, rich Indigenous heritage that deserves recognition. This project highlights the Indigenous narrative, using Corroboree and Cathy Freeman’s Olympic flame to critique Australia’s reliance on tokenism and illusion of progression. The theatre’s circular form suggests unity, but its fragile supports and journey into a sandstone void reveal reconciliation as incomplete and unstable, underscoring the need for collective responsibility and meaningful progress.

Wareamah Theatre emerges from beneath the colonial barracks, out onto the docks. From the exterior, only the colonial facade remains visible, a reflection on erasure of Indigenous culture and identity.

1:500 and 1:200 Physical Model of Wareamah Theatre

As visitors step into the site, they find themselves transported into a starkly foreign environment, dissonant from the colonial veneer, inviting a reconsideration of the site's layered history.

A haphazard journey towards the theatre, reflects the ongoing struggle, confusion and complexity surrounding the process of reconciliation.

This project has been conceived as a theatre space for Indigenous performers, Corroboree, open-air Indigenous education and a communal meeting area.