Another Blow for One of NZ’s Leading Theatre Companies

Media Release 1 Jul 2011

Another Blow for One of NZ’s Leading Theatre Companies
“We are even more determined to re-open.”

That today from Court Theatre Chief Executive Philip Aldridge after news from the Arts Centre informing him that precious assets may never be retrieved from the earthquake damaged site.

“Our fundraising is underway and we are sticking to our goal of re-opening the new Court Theatre in Addington before the end of the year,” he says.

The letter received late morning today makes clear that the “continued seismic activity has caused considerable new damage” to the Arts Centre buildings, increasing the risk of collapse. This means that no-one can enter the buildings to retrieve items and if the deterioration continues, “goods and chattels may be lost and unable to be retrieved”. Philip Aldridge is saddened by the development but remains pragmatic.

“As well as the technical equipment that we planned to retrieve and install in the new theatre, there is business equipment and documentation we could certainly do with but that can be replaced,” he says. “We are all very sad at the prospect of losing so many items which are irreplaceable including thousands of wonderful costumes, props and memorabilia from 40 years of The Court’s history.”

Aldridge adds that The Court is totally focused on fundraising the $4.6 million needed to ensure The Court can re-open before the end of the year on its new site in Addington.

ENDS

www.courttheatre.org.nz

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