The
Schonell Theatre is situated in the UQ Union
complex at the University of Queensland's St
Lucia campus.Its a mid-sized, single auditorium
theatre capable of hosting projected cinematic
films, musical performances, plays and lectures.
It is The theatre was constructed in 1970 and
underwent refurbishment in 2005. It is owned
and operated by the UQ Union.
When the
theatre is primarily used for the display of alternative
and foreign motion pictures, the facility has been
used since its refurbishment for day time lectures
for subjects at the University of Queensland. It is
also the current home of the Brisbane Gang Show.
The Schonell
Theatre is opened in 1970 and from the beginning has
always been both a live theatre and cinema venue.
The first performance
at the Schonell was Bryan Nason's 'Bachoi' which included
in its cast distinguished Australian actor and playwright
Billie Brown, as well as Academy Award Winner Geoffrey
Rush, who at the time were students at the University
of Queensland.
The Schonell
theatre is Brisbane's original independent arthouse
cinema and in keeping with this screens a diverse
selection of foreign language, alternative, quality
mainstream and arthouse films.
The theatre's
complex also houses The Cement Box, an intimate live
theatre space predominantly used for independent fringe
theatre and the home of resident student theatre company
Underground Productions; as well as the Pizza Caffe
which has a well deserved reputation for serving some
the country's best gourmet pizzas.
The Schonell theatre was the first cinema in Australia
to install high-back armchair style seating and now
after its recent multi-million dollar redevelopment,
it once again features state-of-the-art cinema and
live theatre equipment and stylish, sophisticated
decor and furnishings.
