Victoria University Memorial Theatre

The Victoria University Memorial Theatre was designed as part of the Student Union building and opened on 10 June 1961. The theatre features a terraced auditorium that seats 314 people, and has been a significant hub for student theatre, dance, music, and presentations since the early 1960s.

The 1960s were an exciting time for student life. Protests against the Springbok Tour had engendered a rise in student activism and activity, and students were turning away from the social conservatism of the previous decades; in 1964, an increase in student fees saw 150 students storm Prime Minister Keith Holyoke’s office after a capping procession. 

This newfound political energy was accompanied by a rise in student-oriented entertainment. Throughout the 1960s through to the 1980s, contemporary music was often hosted in the Union Hall (later renamed the Hunter Lounge) where students were often found dancing to Split Enz, Dragon, and popular local bands. The VUW Drama Club, which formed much earlier in 1921 and was later renamed the Victoria Theatre Society, made use of the Memorial Theatre, as did several dance and ballet companies. 

The posters in our collection include several curiosities, such as Katherine, a ballet about Katherine Mansfield by Paul Vlasic, and a poster for the VUW Drama Club’s annual Extravaganza. More posters and pamphlets can be found in the VUW Tapuaka Heritage and Archive Collections.