Divine Playhouse, a deconsecrated Sydney church transformed into an arts venue hosting LGBTQ+ events, has been ordered to stop what its landlord calls “offensive trade” after religious groups protested its opening night. The venue opened last Wednesday with the goal of being a safe and inclusive space for artists, according to its organiser, Kat Dopper of Heaps Gay Events.
Landlord issues breach notice after protests
The 150-year-old building, located in Sydney’s central business district, was deconsecrated in the 1930s and later used as a children’s school and a theatre. The venue initially planned to be called Unholy Playhouse but changed its name after concerns from the Christian community. On Wednesday night, about 70 supporters from the Catholic men’s group Fit for the Kingdom and Christian brotherhood the Prodigal Sons rallied outside, demanding the New South Wales government withdraw a $100,000 grant from Create NSW. The next day, the landlord sent a breach notice to Heaps Gay Events, claiming the venue “insulted and mocked the sincerely held religious beliefs of millions of Christian Australians” and giving it two days to cease operation.
Events cancelled, future uncertain
Divine Playhouse cancelled weekend events, and its Instagram accounts were taken down due to complaints. The breach notice, seen by Guardian Australia, states that the “offensive trade” has caused “grievance and disturbance” and that future protests are likely to endanger the public. The venue was ordered to stop offensive trade by Saturday or face lease termination. James Thorpe, founder of Odd Culture Group and co-chair of the Night Time Industries Association, called the situation “deeply concerning,” noting that queer people have fought for places to gather and perform, while Christians have the right to protest.
Community and political reactions
Sydney’s deputy lord mayor, Jess Miller, supported Thorpe’s statement, saying she “could not agree more.” At the opening, Miller celebrated the space as a place for community. NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said the venue should be celebrated and called on the state minister for music and the night-time economy, John Graham, to defend it. The Prodigal Sons and Fit for the Kingdom said they were not seeking to silence anyone but wanted to highlight how the material “wounded a community of faith,” citing performances such as a pig offering McDonald’s fries as holy communion and drag queens reenacting the birth of Christ. The furore has been amplified by Christian influencers, and further protests are expected on Friday, with police presence. The City of Sydney is considering a proposal to redevelop the church into luxury apartments.
