Divine Playhouse, a queer festival venue, says its lease has been cancelled under an 18th-century law, leaving it facing eviction in the lead-up to the event. Multiple outlets report the cancellation comes just days before the group is expected to be removed from its current premises. In response, Divine Playhouse has issued a call for a new location, seeking premises in the Sydney CBD.
All three reports describe the cancellation as being tied to an obscure legal provision dating back to the 1700s, though they do not provide further statutory details in the excerpts provided. The accounts also converge on timing: the decision is made close to the scheduled period when the festival and its associated activities are due to take place, heightening disruption risk for organisers and attendees.
While the reports focus on the venue’s situation and its search for alternative space, they do not, in the provided text, include reactions from the property owner or authorities or outline the appeal or compliance process available to the organisers.
