Vale Betty Burstall, founder of La Mama

Betty Burstall: 1926–2013

In 1967, Betty Burstall founded La Mama theatre in Carlton. It’s difficult to even begin to imagine the development of Australian theatre and Australian theatre voices without La Mama.

From Liz Jones and the staff of La Mama:

“On Friday afternoon last our beloved founder and mentor Betty Burstall left us. She was 87 and died peacefully surrounded by loving family members .

“Artist, homemaker and teacher, in 1967 Betty established La Mama Theatre in the elegant Victorian warehouse, at 205 Faraday Street Carlton. Recently returned from New York, Betty was determined to replicate the exciting ‘off-off Broadway coffee-house theatre’ scene that so involved her during her stay there. A very determined woman, she let nothing stand in her way, even self-funding the space in its formative years.

A devoted mother, grandmother, wife, lover and friend she will be missed by so many in our wider community who were inspired by her energy and vision.

“She will be remembered as a woman who led a magnificent life, lived to the full.”

In the coming weeks we will remember Betty at an open gathering in the La Mama forecourt.