South Australia
The newly completed Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre at Trinity College stands as a testament to the College’s unwavering commitment to embracing 21st-century educational opportunities. Inspired by principles of innovation and creativity, this exceptional space redefines the traditional concept of a theatre, offering students and the community alike a sophisticated and elegant environment in which to engage in rich, authentic learning experiences.
Creativity and innovation are woven into every aspect of the theatre’s design, from the fluidity of the seating arrangements to the dynamic movement reflected in the timber batten design on the walls.
Central to the theatre’s vision is the authentic partnership with the Kaurna people, honouring Indigenous narratives and connections to the local landscape. The concept of the Three Rivers, symbolising unity and connection, is deeply integrated into the design elements, enriching the space with cultural symbolism and a profound sense of place.
Award for Educational Architecture
In creating a regional hub for performing arts, Detail Studio has carefully crafted a technically complex project into a nuanced building that sits harmoniously within its landscaped context. Meaningful First Nations involvement has delivered genuine, robust, site-specific outcomes that celebrate Kaurna stories and understandings of Country.
Internally, acoustic linings appear to float, creating a volume that embraces the audience. The elegant, pared-back material palette is consistent internally and externally, and celebrates Kaurna stories and understandings of Country.
The surge in student involvement post-opening highlights the success of the project. Providing educational opportunities for students across all facets of performance and production, the Theatre nurtures budding talent on-stage, as well as those occupied behind the scenes. Everyone benefits from the professional-grade sound and lighting systems, multimedia integration, adaptable staging arrangements, convertible orchestra pit, and resilient sprung stage.
Detail Studio’s achievement transcends the initial scope, delivering a venue that epitomizes grace and dignity while accommodating diverse demands.
Our collaborative teaching & learning capability has grown significantly by delivering this new facility.
The Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre provides tremendous opportunities for students across all year levels. The theatre offers a 500-seat auditorium, excellent acoustic quality, professional performance quality sound and lighting, multimedia and live streaming capacity, flexible staging, a convertible orchestra pit, a sprung stage, fly tower, Green rooms, teaching spaces, rehearsal areas and a Recording studio.
Marnkutyi Parirna is an investment in infrastructure, that facilitates us to offer a comprehensive Performing Arts program that helps boosts confidence in students, enhances communication skills, fosters creativity, builds resilience + improves critical thinking.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
