Exhibited photos
Four large reproductions
Faust: the Heat of Knowledge and Utiopia/Distopia
These high-resolution images were selected by ‘pling as among their favourite Splinters images. Photographer ‘pling was a true treasure of Canberra’s cultural life – he would be seen without fail at plays, concerts, exhibition openings – everywhere! Having made his start snapping music gigs, ‘pling was naturally drawn to the rock and roll atmosphere and pyrotechnics of Splinters spectacles, which were the first of his many thousands of theatre photos. The use of fire as well as spectacular light sculpture and installations by Clint Hurrell and others in dramatically low light conditions proved to be magnetic for photographers.
Mysteries 1996
Photos: Robert Ern-Yang Guth
From the set of the production by Splinters of Mysteries by Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian author Knut Hamsen, this was the last production in the old Playhouse before it was rebuilt. This show was arguably the high-water mark of Splinters’ less frequent but well-received conventional drama productions. It showcased the consummate acting skills of David Branson and the direction of Patrick Troy, who had gradually moved into the director’s role from the mid-1990s, as the company gained national recognition and higher levels of funding support from the Australia Council and ACT Government. Around this time, Troy’s work was recognised by the award of an Artistic Associate fellowship with the Sydney Theatre Company. Mysteries also marked the first appearance at the Canberra Theatre of work by Imogen Keen, who has gone on to become the ACT’s leading theatre designer. The participation of noted actor and performance artist Nigel Kellaway, formerly of the Sydney Front, is indicative of the high regard in which Splinters was held by practitioners of Australian experimental theatre. Along with this production, Splinters was commissioned by then Director of the Canberra Theatre Centre, Malcolm Leach, to produce the closing ceremony for the soon to be demolished Playhouse.
Splinters Theatre Spectacle
Katherine Pepper 2013
Video photo sequence
The still images in this film sequence were made by Katherine Pepper. They represent her involvement with Splinters Theatre Company from 1986 to the mid 1990's. The images were selected by Katherine Pepper from a larger archive of material to show some of the performances and the people who worked on shows in Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne. The images here are made from slide transparencies using analogue camera equipment. It is not possible to include everyone who contributed much to the Company over this time and the made Splinters possible, therefore this sequence is only a taste of those involved but is testimony of everyone’s efforts.