Letter to Members

Dear Members,

We write with respect to, not only the recent decision of the Committee, but also the decision(s) made at the AGM on 9 April 2025 (the AGM), namely, to replace the customary Acknowledgement of Country (the AOC) with more visible and permanent recognition, as well as escalated, offensive, damaging and in some cases, strictly defamatory comments posted on Facebook.

To confirm, at the AGM on 9 April 2025, there was a verbal request that the Committee reverse the decision to present the AOC, and this was accompanied by a second request, which was a proposal to present the AOC at the discretion of the Director at the commencement of each performance.

The members (not merely the committee who are now being vilified publicly), voted firstly not to allow the presentation of an AOC at the start of each performance, and secondly not to allow the presentation of an AOC at the discretion of the Director, but rather replace an AOC with a permanent plaque, placed prominently in the foyer. The following action was also subsequently taken by the committee after the AGM i.e. recognition in the production program, further recognition on the website, and the displaying of a recorded acknowledgement in a televised loop in the foyer.

This followed an expressed perception, that these actions would enhance, not remove, recognition of the cultural Indigenous heritage we enjoy, and indeed go above and beyond a mere pre-recorded AOC message, played whilst patrons are settling into their seats, switching off mobile devices and generally conversing.

The intense and aggressive criticism the theatre has received on social media specifically stating an AOC had been ‘banned’, begs the question as to whether these attacks are born of ignorance and presumption. The response which this decision has received has been divisive and presented in a manner which has been both damaging to the theatre and in cases, strictly defamatory, from a legal perspective.

We are of the view that there are clear pathways to deal with issues, such as the present membership and exercise of voting rights, together with constructive participation in development of the mission statements of the Limelight theatre.

There was time when community theatre pulled together in a constructive and collegiate atmosphere, reflecting not only a level of sophistication, but also illustrative of a deep-seated focus upon, and love of theatre.

The recent posts on Facebook show clearly that reactive and accusatory commentary is now a preferred method of protected communication. The extrapolated presumption that the course adopted by the Association is reflective of a “white racist approach,” is an issue in respect of which we shall be taking legal advice should retractions not be offered.

There has also been correspondence sent by various members to our sponsors in a similar vein, (the ITA, Lotterywest and Act, Belong, Commit). We are presently considering sanctioning this action by termination of membership pursuant to Section 8.1.1(1) (b) of the Rules of Association, which provides:

8.1 Disciplinary Action

8.1.1 Suspension or expulsion

(1) The Committee may decide to suspend a member’s membership or to expel a member from the Association if:

1. the member contravenes any of these Rules; or
2. The member acts detrimentally to the interests of the Association.

The procedures to be followed are prescribed within the balance of Section 8.1 of the Rules of Association.

In the interim, we propose that a Special General Meeting be called, at which the sole agenda item will be a review of the current resolution, with the proposal that it be replaced with a resolution that the AOC be presented at the discretion of the Director ahead of each performance.

Remain assured – the other extensive steps we have implemented in recognition of the cultural Indigenous heritage we enjoy (discussed above) will also be retained.

We also recommend that you take time to familiarise yourselves with the Rules of Association  and the procedures and protocols prescribed with respect to actioning a grievance.

The facility and ease of criticism behind the glass curtain of social media is inappropriate and divisive. It does not promote collegiate endeavour.

– Theatre Management Committee, 19/06/2025.