Religious backlash forces closure of Sydney queer arts venue Divine Playhouse
Divine Playhouse, an LGBTQIA+ arts space situated in a repurposed church in Sydney's CBD, was shut down just one week post its launch on 8 July 2025. The landlords issued a breach notice, asserting that the programming was offensive to Christian values. This closure came after demonstrations by approximately 70 radical Christian organizations, such as The Prodigal Sons and Fit For The Kingdom. Established by Kat Dopper from Heaps Gay, the venue operated under a temporary one-year lease for the 158-year-old structure. Dopper mentioned they are considering legal avenues. A $100,000 Create NSW grant is currently being scrutinized. Greens MP Cate Faehrmann called for government assistance. Public backlash includes a petition from drag artist Fran Giapanni and a rally organized by Pride in Protest set for 17 July.
Key facts
- Divine Playhouse opened on 8 July 2025 in a former church in Sydney's CBD.
- Landlords ordered the venue to cease operation or face eviction, citing offensive trade.
- Protests were led by radical Christian groups The Prodigal Sons and Fit For The Kingdom.
- The venue was founded by Kat Dopper, founder of Heaps Gay.
- The building is 158 years old, deconsecrated in 1932, and previously housed Genesian Theatre Company.
- A $100,000 Create NSW grant is under investigation by the NSW government.
- Greens MP Cate Faehrmann called for government defense of the venue.
- A petition and rally have been organized in support of Divine Playhouse.
Entities
Artists
- Kat Dopper
- Fran Giapanni
- Jonny Seymour
Institutions
- Divine Playhouse
- Heaps Gay
- Genesian Theatre Company
- Create NSW
- The Prodigal Sons
- Fit For The Kingdom
- Pride in Protest
- ArtsHub
- The Guardian
- Greens
- Heaps Gay (HG Events)
- Revelop
- Sydney's Hyde Park
- ScreenHub
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Kent Street
- Sydney CBD
- 420 Kent Street
- Hyde Park
- New South Wales