Noongar word for dance to grace State Theatre's Rehearsal Room 2

The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia's Rehearsal Room 2 will be renamed Middar Room, with the new name to be bestowed in a ceremony today.

The new name was chosen to better reflect the usage of the space and create an appropriate link reflective of the Aboriginal cultural significance of the area.

The naming ceremony will be conducted by Dr Richard Walley OAM.

Dr Walley was a cultural consultant to the Naming Committee which chose the new name after wide consultation with the Noongar community and the Theatre's resident companies.

He was also one of the elders who performed the Welcome to Country at the State Theatre Centre's opening in 2011.

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:

"Rehearsal Room Two has been used for activities beyond rehearsals and is now primarily a theatre and dance rehearsal and development space and is also used for events and workshops.

"More importantly the name Middar, the traditional Noongar word for dance and performance, includes and honours the Noongar community, traditional custodians of the land on which the State Theatre Centre is built."

Minister's office - 6552 5400