Vale Betty Burstall 1926 – 2013

Betty BurstallLast Friday afternoon 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.

In the coming weeks La Mama Theatre will remember Betty at an open gathering in the La Mama Forecourt to celebrate all that she so generously contributed to our lives. For further information ring La Mama 9347 6948.

For more information, visit: www.lamama.com.au for details.

Text and Image: courtesy of Liz Jones and La Mama Theatre