Help LCTC Patrons' Slashed Tyres

As the marriage equality debate continues aross the country community theatre group Lane Cove Theatre Company (LCTC) staged Holding the Man; a beautiful, poignant love story.

LCTC's advertising featured the heart-warming photograph of our two lead characters portraying sheer, unconditional love. Ahead of the opening night th posters were torn down from the locations LCTC has advertised its shows for more than 20 years.

The show went on to a sellout run and critical acclaim. 

On the evening of 26 August, during the second last performance, some of our audience, cast and crew returned to their cars to find their tyres slashed. At least 12 cars were attacked.  All the targeted cars were parked in front of the performance space venue.

The Police were called and on inspection indicated that it was most likely targetted and could be considered a hate crime. 

Lochie Beh President of the Lane Cove Theatre Company stated:

"In today’s society and especially in the Lane Cove community this behaviour needs to be condemned.  Whether one supports the content of the play we are producing or not, this behaviour is unacceptable. Having our posters torn down is one thing, but being targeted by deliberate vandalism is quite another.

Not only were members of the audience targeted but some of these members travelled from interstate to see the show and had to then find accommodation for the evening, after midnight, after they had tried every avenue to repair the tires.

A sold out encore performance will take place this afternoon and Lane Cove Theatre Company will not be silenced."

This is not acceptable behaviour.  Freedom of speech is important.  There is no doubt that the whole same sex marriage debate and plebiscite is fuelling the flames of hatred and making people take stands.

Lane Cove Theatre Company is crowdfunding to contribute to the repairs and emergency accommodation costs for our cast, crew and audience. If we raise more than we need, the excess will be donated to Twenty10 to support the LGBTQI community.

No one should go to the theatre and fear for the safety of their property. 

Please help Lane Cove Theatre Company support the community who supports us. 

Belinda Korner
Lane Cove Theatre Company Committee Member