Friday 18 March 2011

Karnak closes

: The popular Karnak Playhouse has been forced to close, at least temporarily, due to damage caused by Cyclone Yasi.

by Mat Churchill

Karnak Playhouse founder Diane Cilento has been forced to make the difficult decision to close the theatre due partly to significant storm damage from Cyclone Yasi.

The picturesque amphitheatre has hosted notable performers such as David Helfgott, Jane Rutter, and Sime Tedeschi.

"It has been a huge challenge to keep the theatre open for some years now, and with the events which have occurred in Queensland and indeed globally this year, we have had to make the logistic decision to suspend operations until we can, rise like a Phoenix from the ashes," Ms Cilento said.

""I don't know why but Whyanbeel Valley got it (strong winds from Yasi). We've got hundreds of trees down and fences, we're really bad off. I had a lightening strike that took out my electricity and I haven't got it back yet."

Ms Cilento is hopeful that the Karnak Playhouse will be up and running again later this year or in 2012 in time to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

"We have got a lot of supporters. (Karnak) is a lovely experience and it is a pity that it would spoil the benchmark of excellence in this area completely," she said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters and patrons and hope we shall be able to entertain you again. Also Jason O'Brien (Member for Cook), who offered his assistance when he saw pictures of the devastation."

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Ann Rodgers, 22-03-11 12:56:

While we are all worried about the tourist problems faced by the far north the closing of Karnak is another problem another closure.
While I hear you all say what about the problems down south,the Japan disaster and terrible toubles in New Zealand I here you and I hope you have all done your bit to contribute to these appeals.
However when the time is right I would like to see the community get behind Diane for perhaps a benefit dinner or other event to assist with the reconstruction of Karnak. Oh yes I know its a private business but so are all the other FNQ attractions.Karnak brings people out of Port Douglas to enjoy the attractions of Mossman.the Gorge,and Daintree, and other restaurants and spas of the area.Diane has been outspoken in helping the community fight for out rights over the pastfew rocky years. Lets help her where we can.

Ann Rodgers, 22-03-11 12:38:

We are all worried about tourism in the Far North and Port Douglas and Mossman play a huge part in the attracyion of the Great Barrier Reef. Not everyone would agree,as we are all well aware of the disasters down south and overseas in Japan and China. I hope we have all done out bit to contribute to those appeals.
However Karnak and is a daw card for the area and brings people out of Port Douglas to the many attractions of Mossman, the gorge and the Daintree.
I would like to see a benifit dinner proposed or other event to help with the reconstruction of Karnak ( even if it is a private conscern).Lets wait till a few things are settled the get behind Diane and get our theatre up and running.Diane had been outspoken and supportive of community issues for us all in the past. Its our turn to help her when the time is right.

Annette GABORIT, 18-03-11 17:46:

Very sorry to hear about Karnak - It is a lovely place and such a great venue in FNQ; any concert there was always a guarantee for a magical night. And what a great place to take interstate or overseas visitors!
Wishing Diane all the best and I sincerely hope she can re-open the place soon.