Divine Playhouse, a year-long queer-friendly arts pop-up in a deconsecrated Sydney church, faces eviction after Christian groups protested its launch, accusing the venue of mocking Christianity. The City of Sydney is considering redevelopment of the site into luxury apartments.
Background and Protests
The venue, supported by the New South Wales government and the City of Sydney, opened last Wednesday as an affordable space for artists. However, Christian groups met the launch party with protests, and images of drag queens dressed as nuns sparked outrage. Campaigners demanded the return of $100,000 in state arts funding, and an open letter calling for an apology to the Christian community gathered over 5,000 signatures. The venue's Instagram account was taken down due to complaints.
Lease Under Threat
The venue received a breach notice claiming Christian beliefs were 'insulted and mocked,' and ordering Divine Playhouse to cease operations on grounds of 'offensive trade' and to prevent 'public protests [that] are almost certain to occur and are likely to endanger members of the public.' Premier Chris Minns said officials are investigating whether the venue's offerings match its grant application.
Broader Debate on Free Speech
James Thorpe, vice-chair of the Night Time Industries Association and founder of Odd Culture Group, argues that the controversy raises fundamental questions about who gets to speak and whose offence silences others. He notes that queer people have long fought for spaces to gather and perform, often facing accusations of sinfulness. Thorpe states, 'Christians may tell me my life is sinful. Queer artists have the same right to make art that is confronting, irreverent, and, yes, offensive.'
Double Standards in Offence
Thorpe points out that while Christian groups are offended by queer art, they have supported figures like Israel Folau, who warned homosexuals of hell, and have spread rhetoric describing queer culture as perverted. He emphasizes that liberal democracy requires tolerating offensive speech: 'We surrender the power to silence those who offend us in exchange for the freedom to speak when our own ideas offend others.'
Funding and Pluralism
The $100,000 in Create NSW arts funding is at the centre of the outrage. Thorpe argues that taxpayers support ideas they disagree with daily, such as religious tax concessions. He writes, 'A liberal society cannot reserve public support for ideas nobody objects to. There would be precious little culture, politics or religion left.'
Impact on Artists
Thorpe warns that the targeting of Instagram pages and brigading of Google reviews harms artists' ability to reach audiences. Many artists booked at Divine Playhouse are afraid to speak out, fearing they will become the next target. He concludes that if being 'insulted and mocked' leads to eviction, every artist who challenges power is vulnerable.
