What we collect

Performing Arts

See also: Find Performing Arts | Using the Collection

The Library has an extensive and growing collection of material documenting Australia's performing arts history, from the earliest days of the colony of New South Wales to contemporary Broadway productions of Tap Dogs.

The collection is a remarkable record of the careers of those who shaped our performing arts, such as the theatre star and entrepreneur J.C Williamson, to the overseas success of home grown stars including Robert Helpmann, Joan Sutherland, and Barry Humphries. The collection documents those who enjoyed brilliant overseas careers but still called Australia home, to those who returned home to fade into obscurity.

Ephemeral material on the performing arts can be found in the PROMPT collection, and there are a wide variety of materials available on dance and music.