Page 11 - CinemaRecord #10R.pdf

became an outlet for tlhe screening of Greek language films, as had a handful of other independent theatres
around Melbourne. However this was not to last and the theatre was left, complete with all fittings and projection
equipment, to await its fate. .•

It went up for auction during the 1980s and was passed in at $114,000. During the auction it was noted that the
theatre still boasted supplies of tickets, booking plans and even the matinee program board as if to beg for a
new owner to restore it to its former glory. Although all was intact, no electricity was available to the building
during the auction and inspection was by torchlight. It did however show that the theatre was in a good state of
preservation.

The theatre was eventually sold and a number of proposals were put up for uses which did not include film
screenings. A retail store was planned within its walls and pressure was put on by a community arts group in
1993 for the council to the purchase the site for use as a live theatre and film venue but nothing came of it.

The Sun 1993 • Somewhat Neglected

Sadly in the meantime, the vandals had been active. The front doors had been smashed, necessitating the
need for tin shutter to be attached to the doors which heightened the appearance of dereliction and then the
building sustained fire damage and water damage resulting in the collapse of the ceiling. The exposed roof left
the interior susceptible to further decay and it looked as if the fate of so many theatres to about to beset the
Sun, that of demolition.

Happily, this was not be. The 'Sun' has got a new owner, Michael Smith, who has a theatre screen, curtain and
accessory business, and has embarked on a plan of restoration. Whilst not all of the auditorium will again be
available for the screening of films, the upper section will. The rear of the theatre will be used for Mr Smith's
business and to this end the wooden floor and proscenium have been removed and a flat concrete floor
poured. The wall, where the proscenium was will be replaced at the completion of the work.

From the front however, it is understood that full restoration of the foyer will be undertaken, and the upper part
of the auditorium rebuilt as a smaller theatre that retains the basic integrity of the original theatre. The flooring
in this area has been completely replaced, including the foyer and projection room, and the walls are being
prepared for repainting. A new ceiling is to be fitted. According to a newspaper article, Michael Smith hopes
to have the theatre reopened by Christmas 1995.

Let us all hope that the 'Sun' shines in Yarraville for many years to come.