Hale School
A Historic Hall Reimagined
A significant milestone was achieved at Hale School on 30 May with the unveiling of the redeveloped Memorial Hall and the new Cygnet Theatre precinct. This event, attended by over 300 guests, staff and students, marked the completion of a project that honours the past while embracing the future.
The Memorial Hall, officially opened 62 years ago, has been a cornerstone of the Hale School community. Designed by Tony Brand, an esteemed architect and Old Haleian, the Hall's construction was a bold departure from traditional architectural styles of the time and is considered the first Brutalist-style building in Australia. It earned prestigious accolades such as the Royal Institute of British Architects Bronze Medal (1959-1961) and the Architecture and Arts Australian Building of the Year (1962), and on 30 April 2024 it was entered onto the State Heritage Register.
At the opening event, Hale’s Headmaster, Dean Dell’Oro emphasised the Hall’s profound importance. ‘Memorial Hall is significant to the families who lost sons in war; to the families who gave whatever they could to build it; to the students who perform or are recognised on stage; to those sitting their final exams, and to the entire Hale community who come together for time-honoured rituals and ceremonies.’
Hale’s Chaplain, Fr Thomas Couper, spoke to the students at an earlier ‘soft opening’, of the Hall being a special space for generations of Hale students. ‘All of you, for a short time, are afforded the privilege of standing between its walls and under its roof. It is a space where the hopes and dreams of many a Hale boy have rung out and seeped into its fabric. My prayer for you this morning is that you will hold this space well with open and honourable hearts, that it might be space that becomes part of your story – a space where you feel you belong.’
The revitalised Memorial Hall now stands ready to host a new era of performances and events. To inaugurate the updated space, the School staged a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, an iconic piece of musical theatre that brought together an exceptional cast, crew and orchestra of talented students. This choice was particularly fitting as Tim Rice, the world-renowned lyricist and co-writer of the musical, had previously spoken in the Hall many years ago. The production showcased Memorial Hall’s new versatility as a performance space. With nearly 100 individuals involved, the show was a sold-out success, demonstrating the Hall’s capacity to support large-scale productions while retaining its historic charm.
The new, adjoining Cygnet Theatre precinct offers a range of flexible performance spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the School’s performing and creative arts program. From intimate drama studios and a versatile black-box theatre to state-of-the-art media suites and an expansive outdoor amphitheatre, the precinct is designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists.
‘Wandering around the new performing arts precinct, you feel that anything is possible. The range of opportunities offered by these diverse spaces is breathtaking,’ said Hale School’s Artistic Director, Danny Parker. The precinct has only been operational since March and already the new spaces have hosted multiple drama productions, musical performances, community events, art exhibitions, examinations, assemblies, student forums and more.
Above: Jesus Christ Super Star performance photos with thanks to Deprimo Photography
As generations of students continue to pass through its heavy glass doors, Memorial Hall will remain a cherished landmark and a hub of community life, ensuring that the memories and traditions of the past endure for years to come.
Published in Messenger August 2024
Hale School
Hale School is an Anglican day and boarding school, for boys from Pre-Primary to Year 12.
