-
You must be logged in to Tag Records
John Robertson interviewed by Bill Stephens [sound recording]
Bib ID 4312497
Format AudioAudio
Author
Robertson, J. (John), 1936-
 
Access Conditions Access open for research and personal copies. Written permission is required for public use during the lifetime of the interviewee. 
Description 2008. 
2 sound files (ca. 215 min.) 
Summary

John Robertson, born 1936, speaks about his parents and siblings; early childhood recollections; schooling; his father's accountancy business; working as an auditor with Flack and Flack (1955); his National Service (1956); his decision to seek a career in theatre; applying to join the administrative staff of J.C.Williamson; working as Katherine Dunham's stage manager; the Dunham Technique; maintaining professional standards while touring; working as assistant stage manager for the Tivoli Circuit; the role of stage manager for a Tivoli Revue; the Tivoli organisation's production facilities; how the transfer of the Tivoli revues was achieved; the show train, Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey; backstage visits from Sydney Opera House consultants; demise to the original stage equipment purchased for the Sydney Opera House; the design of the stage in the State Theatre; his role as the Technical Director of the Adelaide Festival of Arts; Louis Van Eyssen; Sir Robert Helpmann; Adelaide Festival of Arts (1972); working for J.C.Williamson's after the takeover by the Edgley Organisation.

Robertson discusses the building of the new Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney; his role as Head of Production for J.C.Williamson; the demise of the J.C.Williamson organisation; his role on overseas show-buying trips; an opportunity to become involved in film production; returning to the position as Operations Manager, The Adelaide Festival Centre; reasons for setting up a production workshop at the Adelaide Festival Centre; some of the productions made at the workshops under his supervision; the setting up of the Cameron Mackintosh offices in Australia; why it is necessary to import the creative team when producing a major musical; the importance of correct casting; his present role with Cameron Mackintosh Productions; the difficulties of setting up tours overseas; his involvement as a consultant with the Talent Development Project; ticketing and marketing; his Helpmann Award; his current involvements; the achievements or which he is most proud; his life to date.

Notes

Recorded on February 5, 2008 at Sydney, N.S.W.

Digital master; National Library of Australia, Oral History and Folklore collection;

Index/Finding Aid Note Timed summary (21 p.) and uncorrected transcript (typescript, 116 leaves) 
Subjects Robertson, J. - (John), - 1936- - Interviews.  |  J.C. Williamson (Firm) - History.  |  Adelaide Festival of Arts - History.  |  Theatrical producers and directors - Australia - Interviews  |  Theater - Australia - History - 20th century.  |  Theater - Australia - Management.
Occupation Theatre producers and directors.
Other authors/contributors Stephens, Bill, 1936-

Online

    In the Library

    Request this item to view in the Library's reading rooms using your library card.

    Details Collect From
    ORAL TRC 5919
    Copy: Recording
    Petherick Reading Room (Oral History)
    ORAL TRC 5919 (transcript)
    Copy: Transcript
    Petherick Reading Room (Oral History)
    ORAL TRC 5919 (summary)
    Copy: Summary
    Petherick Reading Room (Oral History)

    Order a copy

    -

    Copyright or permission restrictions may apply. We will contact you if necessary.


    Members of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori communities are advised that this catalogue contains names and images of deceased people. All users of the catalogue should also be aware that certain words, terms or descriptions may be culturally sensitive and may be considered inappropriate today, but may have reflected the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written.