Carlton's La Mama Theatre Scores $1 Million to Help Rebuild After Fire

Having almost faced its final curtain call when a fire ripped through it in May, Carlton's La Mama Theatre is set to be reborn, thanks to a tidy $1 million grant from the Victorian Government.

The money will back up the independent theatre's own fundraising efforts as it works to rebuild, as well as an earlier $150,000 rescue package provided by Labor in the wake of the incident.

Restoration of the Faraday Street site will involve repurposing as much of the original building as possible, respecting its heritage while also making it fully accessible for the first time and setting it up for future generations. Architect Meg White and local firm Cottee Parker will head up the rebuild, which is slated to begin next year and be completed by 2020.

La Mama is a non-profit theatre and stalwart of Melbourne's art scene, having been established back in 1967. Founded by Betty Burstall, the theatre has seen the likes of Cate Blanchett, Judith Lucy and Julia Zemiro pass through it and hosts many alternative and experimental shows.

The theatre will continue to operate out of nearby sister venue La Mama Courthouse, until it returns to the city's arts scene in full capacity.

If you'd like to lend a helping hand, La Mama is also accepting donations from the public.

Image two: La Mama Theatre before the fire.