Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre
Marnkutyi Parirna (Three Rivers) Theatre at Trinity College in Gawler, South Australia, serves as a modern regional hub for performing arts. Renowned for its comprehensive arts program, Trinity College required a state-of-the-art venue to support its students and the wider community.
The theatre features a 520-seat multipurpose space designed to accommodate a wide range of performances, including dance, drama, and music. It is equipped with a versatile orchestra shell, an orchestra pit and a fly tower. Additionally, the venue is complemented by recording studios, a mixing room, and dedicated rehearsal spaces. Completed in late 2023, the project delivered a sophisticated, acoustically adaptable performance environment blending aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility.
CLIENT
Detail Studio
LOCATION
Gawler, SA
COMPLETED
2023
Photos
David Sievers Photography
Our Scope
Marshall Day Acoustics was responsible for the complete acoustic design of the Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre, providing ongoing planning, design development and commissioning support. The acoustic design focused on two main configurations: ‘Concert Mode’ for orchestral performances and ‘Theatre Mode’ for drama productions. We worked closely with the architects and project team throughout the design and construction process to ensure successful delivery of the project.
CHALLENGES
Designing an acoustically adaptable theatre posed significant challenges due to the constrasting acoustic requirements of orchestral music and drama performances. Innovative solutions were required to allow the space to seamlessly transition between ‘Concert Mode’ and ‘Theatre Mode’. This flexibility was achieved by integrating a deployable orchestral shell and retractable curtains, allowing the stage acoustics to be optimised for both instrumental ensembles and amplified drama performances. The theatre’s design draw inspiration from the natural surroundings, Aboriginal culture, and native animals of the region. Emu-inspired motifs are incorporated into the design; the emu, a large flightless bird native to Australia, symbolises creativity, resilience, and strength in many Aboriginal cultures. The emu wing-like sound reflectors on each side of the room were strategically optimised to provide a series of overhead lateral reflections to enhance spatial envelopment and musical presence. Ceiling reflectors were incorporated to improve speech clarity and maintain excellent source localisation on stage, which are critical elements for successful drama performances.
Awards
2024 SA Architecture Award for Educational Architecture
2024 National Architecture Awards for Educational Architecture and Interior Architecture
2024 Master Builders Association National Excellence Awards – Commercial/Industrial Construction - $20m to $50m
2023 Master Builders Association (SA) Building Excellence Awards – Work Health & Safety
PROJECT TEAM
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