The iconic Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in the heart of Fremantle has been "condemned" to close, after a decision by the WA government which theatre staff claim came suddenly and without warning.
Concerns had been raised about the ageing heritage-listed building in Pioneer Park for several years, with the theatre company even having to relocate the launch of its Shaun Tan Rules of Summer show in 2017 while work was carried out to make the theatre safe.
Despite this, Artistic Director Philip Mitchell said the state's decision to close the theatre came unexpected.
"There was no warning of the closure of the theatre [but] we were aware there were problems with the building," he said.
"While the heritage building is actually quite sound, the exoskeleton that holds up the theatre walls, we understand has come to the end of its life.
"We certainly don't want to be putting our audience in danger. So the state government has condemned the theatre."
Mr Mitchell said steps had already been taken to try and save the state-owned building, including presenting plans for a new building in 2015.
"The government has been very aware of the problems with the building and we have been banging on their door for a number of years to do something about it."
The upcoming The Secret Garden show and the remaining 2022 season at the theatre have been cancelled.
Mr Mitchell said given shows were planned four years in advance, future performances were up in the air.
"We have got a whole theatre load of shows ready to go with totally uncertainty about how we're going to proceed with those new works."
He called on WA Arts Minister David Templeman to act.
"Right now, we need just a rebuild of the theatre," he said.
"I'm sure David [Templeman] will come to the party and be the knight in shining armour that we need him to be."
Quest for new home for puppets
Erin Gauntlett, the acting director general at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, said closing part of the building was an "incredibly unfortunate" but necessary decision.
"When we get structural engineers saying that it's a risk to public safety and it's a risk to performers, the staff and the general public – we were in the very unfortunate position of having to make that difficult decision but a very necessary decision to close that building."
She said the department had been planning remediation works, but was told last week the repairs wouldn't be possible.
"When it comes to the time that you're told that it's a risk to the safety of the public…we had no choice."
Ms Gauntlett said the department was committed to working with the company on short and long-term solutions and all options were on the table.
"We'll support them through this and that will include financial assistance as well as finding alternative venues for the short term.
"No decisions have been made yet about longer-term decisions."
WA Arts Minister David Templeman has been contacted for comment.
