Divine Playhouse, a former church turned LGBTQ+ arts venue in Sydney's central business district, is facing possible eviction after its landlord ordered the organisers to stop 'engaging in offensive trade'. The venue, housed in a deconsecrated church that has mostly been a theatre since the 1930s, was intended as a safe and inclusive queer-friendly arts space. However, protesters claimed the opening night performances mocked religious faith.
Legal Action and Breach Notice
The promoter and founder of Heaps Gay Events, Kat Dopper, said the venue is exploring legal options after receiving a breach notice from the landlord, commercial property group KCSYD Pty Ltd. The notice claimed that 'the trade … insulted and mocked the sincerely held religious beliefs of millions of Christian Australians'. Dopper maintained the venue acted in good faith and remains committed to meeting its obligations as tenants.
Impact on Artists and Community
Divine Playhouse was set to support more than 1,500 artists, producers, performers, technicians, small creative businesses and staff, and invest $650,000 into the independent arts sector during its year-long lease. More than 5,000 people have signed a Change.org petition backing the venue as an inclusive arts space. The venue's social media accounts were taken offline for four days after complaints to Meta but were reactivated on Wednesday.
Religious Protests and Renaming
Members of the Christian community first raised concerns when the venue was originally named Unholy Playhouse. It was renamed to Divine Playhouse at the last minute, but protests continued after images of the opening night showed drag queens dressed as nuns and a performer dressed as a pig offering french fries as holy communion. Christian groups demanded the New South Wales government withdraw a $100,000 grant from Create NSW. A protest led by Catholic men's group Fit for the Kingdom and Christian brotherhood the Prodigal Sons was planned for Friday.
Support and Criticism
City of Sydney deputy lord mayor Jess Miller continued to back the venue, stating, 'It’s not my place to decide what is “art”, make moral judgements as to what is or isn’t offensive and to whom.' LGBTQ+ law firm Dowson Turco partner Nicholas Stewart warned of a chilling effect, saying, 'When event companies are not allowed to use spaces because of the potential backlash from groups who claim to be offended, I’m concerned that gives rise to LGBTQ+ events or any other minority groups being forced out of spaces.'
Government Response
NSW Premier Chris Minns told the Daily Telegraph that government officials were investigating the grant application and said it was 'hard to believe' the building was the 'best location' for the performances. Independent NSW MP Alex Greenwich said Sydney needed a wake-up call, adding, 'What has happened with “Divine Playhouse” is part of a worrying trend and I’m concerned that Sydney’s reputation is suffering as a global city.'
