Overview
Another beloved Sydney venue has closed its doors as a result of the gruelling last few years for the arts. Surry Hills comedy and theatre venue Giant Dwarf has shut its doors, announcing online that it would not be reopening after it was forced to shut down during Sydney's last lockdown.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our doors will not be reopening. The second lockdown really hit us hard and we have been unable to find a way to continue." the statement posted on Giant Dwarf's Facebook page reads.
The Giant Dwarf has served as a hub for local comedians, oddball theatre shows and inclusive art for the past eight years. It was first opened in the former space of the Cleveland Street Theatre in 2014 by the team behind The Chaser and has fostered diverse and up-and-coming artists of all kinds ever since.
"The main aim for the theatre has always been to extend the vision of the production company — to create an inspiring environment for new talent to develop skills and produce original and engaging content," inaugural Giant Dwarf program director Nikita Agzarian said back in 2014.
Flowertruck at Giant Dwarf, Bronte Goddensmith
The statement posted on Thursday, January 28 cited lockdowns, uncertainty around the future and a lack of funding as reasons the venue was unable to reopen, while also thanking those that helped keep the theatre running throughout the years including staff, the City of Sydney, the Thyne Reid Foundation, independent donors and audience members.
The news comes the same week that the future of iconic live music venue The Lansdowne has been thrown into uncertainty after long-time custodians Mary's announced they'd be stepping away from the venue in response to the planned conversion of the gig room into hostel rooms by the landlords.
"We are forever grateful for the experience and will always remember nights we all shared," concludes the Giant Dwarf statement which you can read below.
Giant Dwarf was located at 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills.
Top image: Bronte Goddensmith