Grant
ROBERTSON
MP for Wellington central
Annette
KING
MP for Rongotai
17 September 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Great sadness at demise of Downstage
Wellington Labour MPs Grant Robertson and Annette King have expressed their sadness at the closure of Downstage Theatre.
"Downstage has been a major feature in the Wellington theatre and arts scene for fifty years. It has played a
significant part in our cultural scene and it will be sadly missed,” Grant Robertson said.
"We still believe that Wellington can support a number of professional theatres.
“Central and local government both have a role to play in helping to make this happen, and a Labour-led Government would
do all it can to grow the theatre sector in our creative capital.”
Annette King said Downstage had played an important role in fostering young and new talent.
“Many of the leading lights in theatre in New Zealand got their start at Downstage, and that will be a lasting legacy’
“It has been a tough few years for Downstage. We pay tribute to Hilary Beaton for her leadership during this time, and
wish her and other staff all the best for the future,” Annette King said.
ENDS