Mixing Aristotle, renaissance and Shakespeare in a single sentence seems appropriate when describing the opening night for Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse. For this versatile new building, born of so much discontent, holds the potential to bring a wealth of music, art and

entertainment to this region, and to trigger a rebirth for the Clarence St precinct.

The choice of Bell Shakespeare Company’s Taming of the Shrew to launch Glasshouse performances was inspired.

Few other programs would have so subtly demonstrated the benefits of this new facility.

Friday evening’s opening night audience represented a generous cross-section of Hastings populace. From the

tuxedoed to the cardigan-ed, and even a tracksuit or two. No one seemed quite sure of what to wear, and no one seemed to care what was being worn.

The full diversity of our community was represented. Even to a gentleman with a stubby of beer among the intermission throng who, upon being asked what he thought of the performance, said: “I dunno mate. I just came over from the pub to see what all the fuss was about.”

For many, the opening of The Glasshouse

represents a dream realised, the culmination of many years of sweat and sacrifice. Others prefer to see it as the dawn of a bright era for Port Macquarie, where ready access to quality entertainment, performances and major conference events will profoundly change the expectations of our residents.

Audiences leaving a quality theatrical performance will not be satisfied with a pizza accompanied by “doof doof” music. Demand will quickly grow for later-opening

restaurants and up-market café-bars, where civilised people can relax and discuss the performance without being deafened or assaulted.

And so, it has launched.

The Glasshouse has celebrated its opening performance. But more, it has demonstrated that it is not a venue for the few, the “toffs”, but it is a resource for all the people of the Hastings, and our visitors.

Within a short time, a wide range of events, from raw comedy to sophisticated music and theatre, to school performances and conferences will demonstrate the versatility of this venue and its value to our community.

GREGG FAULKNER