HEATH LEDGER - AUSSIE POLITICIANS BACKTRACK ON LEDGER THEATRE TRIBUTE

AUSSIE POLITICIANS BACKTRACK ON LEDGER THEATRE TRIBUTE

The decision to name a new performing arts centre in Perth, Australia after tragic actor HEATH LEDGER has been overturned in favour of a more diverse title.
Former Western Australia Premier Alan Carpenter announced earlier this year (Jul08) that a new drama venue, which cost $87 million (GBP43.5 million) to build, in the late actor's hometown would be named after the star in tribute.
Carpenter was joined by Ledger's father Kim at the construction site ceremony and told reporters his son would have been proud to put "his name" to the venture.
However, the state's new Premier, Colin Barnett, has decided to U-turn on the decision - confirming the venue will now be called the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia.
But Barnett has stated the 575-seat theatre within the new centre will still be named after The Dark Knight star.
Australia's Culture and Arts Minister John Day says, "A great deal of consideration has been given to the name of the venue and this has involved consultation with the Ledger family, which is pleased Heath is being acknowledged in this way, and a range of stakeholders.
"The name, State Theatre Centre, strongly identifies the venue as a place of civic pride for all Western Australians and will be a venue where audiences can enjoy high-quality performing arts by local, national and international artists."