Key facts
- Divine Playhouse, an LGBTQ+ arts venue in Sydney, is facing potential eviction.
- The landlord issued a notice to cease "offensive trade" after protests from religious groups.
- Organisers maintain the venue is a safe and inclusive queer-friendly arts space.
- The venue received a $100,000 grant from Create NSW, which is under investigation.
- Legal experts suggest potential recourse through lease terms and discrimination law.
Divine Playhouse, a pop-up LGBTQ+ arts venue in Sydney housed in a former church, is facing potential eviction and legal action after its landlord issued a notice to cease "offensive trade." The venue, intended as a safe and inclusive queer-friendly space, faced protests from religious groups following its opening night, with demonstrators claiming performances mocked their faith.
Landlord KCSYD Pty Ltd, through its lawyers, claimed the venue's activities "insulted and mocked the sincerely held religious beliefs of millions of Christian Australians." The notice forced organisers, Heaps Gay Events, to close the space and cancel upcoming events. Promoter Kat Dopper stated the venue acted in good faith and is exploring legal options, emphasizing the role of arts in questioning ideas and reflecting on the world.
The venue, previously named "Unholy Playhouse," was renamed "Divine Playhouse" shortly before opening. Images from the opening night, including drag queens dressed as nuns and a performer dressed as a pig offering communion, intensified the controversy. Christian groups demanded the withdrawal of a $100,000 grant from Create NSW, the state's arts agency. Protests were planned by Catholic groups Fit for the Kingdom and the Prodigal Sons.
Supporters, including City of Sydney deputy lord mayor Jess Miller, have backed the venue, citing the challenges faced by creatives in the city. Legal experts suggest that the venue's recourse will depend on its lease terms and potential arguments under discrimination law, possibly involving the Human Rights Commission. NSW Premier Chris Minns indicated that government officials are investigating the grant application and questioned the venue's location. Independent MP Alex Greenwich expressed concern that the situation could harm Sydney's reputation as a global city.