dJohnsonDale became involved in the Esperance Theatre Guild almost from its inception, while it was still operating out of the old RSL Hall. Her husband David was roped into “Whitehorse Inn” in the late 60s, as the Guild was always short for men (and still is).

She directed her first play in the early seventies and went on to direct many more over the next two decades. Her other love was stage management and set design and she assisted in that capacity on a number of occasions for other productions.

In 1984 she wrote the musical “Cheap At Half The Price” in collaboration with Heather Timms, who wrote the music. Based on the history of Esperance, the play had a season of 9 nights that year and was repeated in 1988 for the Bicentenary. Other revue style pieces were written for such productions as “Sin On The Sandplain” and “The Starz Awards”. Dale served on the committee in every capacity at one time or another.

During her time as Treasurer she says that her friend Jane Ratten did more balancing of the books than she did, "owing to my inability to add up". Dale says that she gained a great understanding of theatre from the many visiting directors the Guild employed, received tremendous artistic satisfaction and had the best of fun times at the Bijou Theatre.

Share this post

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn

News Bulletins

Join Us on Facebook

Join Us on Facebook