Set in Stone: The Cell Block Theatre

The Cell Block Theatre was the hub of Australian avant-garde theater, music, and dance in the 1960s and 1970s, but it was built fora very different purpose. This is the fascinating story of how a derelict wing of Darlinghurst Gaol—the home of Sydney’s most notorious female criminals—not only became a place of creative freedom and ingenuity, but also housed early performances from artists such as John Bell, Nick Cave, Yvonne Kenny, David Malouf, Peter Sculthorpe, and Jim Sharman. Richly illustrated with striking archival photographs, this is the first book to explore the iconic cultural site and the groundbreaking works that emerged from its rough sandstone walls.

Deborah Beck is an artist and writer who has held 15 solo exhibitions in Sydney and Melbourne, and has participated in more than 80 group exhibitions throughout Australia. She is the author of Hope in Hell and is currently a lecturer and archivist at the National Art School.