The 'Hecklers Theatre' explores the relationship between theatre, architecture and the body through the lens of the threshold. With an understanding of Utzon’s manipulation of the horizontal and vertical planes in crafting the movement and transition between spaces, the design establishes a sequence of threshold typologies that emphasis the theatrical experience of soapbox oratory. Located behind The Mint in Sydneys Domain, a counterpoint between city and park, the project is grounded in its rich context developing strong relationships to the park, the city, the classical architectural threshold of the area and the history of the Speakers Corner in the development of these typologies.
Theatre is full of thresholds, established boundaries which are bounced between and through: from the stage and the audience and how the actors projection moves between them, crossing over between what is ‘real’ and ‘illusionary’, the retracting of curtains that begin the show and to the new ideas received by the audience through the senses. A form of public theatre, Soapbox Oratory is rooted in classical tradition and embedded within the history of The Domain. An avenue for people to break the thresholds of preconceived notions of thought, culture and society - it operates as a theatrical performance piece that relies on 3 key roles - The Speaker, The Audience and The Heckler.
With a focus on the relationship between these roles, intriguing and dynamic spatial moments are formed that capture the theatrics of public theatre and free speech. With an emphasis on how the body moves through, to and connects with space - one is taken on a journey of discovery as you stumble upon debates and new ideas in this whimsical landscape that establishes an open, free forum. The resulting spaces act as machines which facilitate an interdependent dialogue between architecture and its users, setting in motion a landscape of theatre, performance and discussion for the City of Sydney.
