The Divine Playhouse, an LGBTQIA+ pop-up club on Sydney’s Kent Street, has been forced to cease operations due to “offensive trade” following protests by Christian groups. The venue, operated by Kat Dopper’s Heaps Gay Events, closed after the landlord took “pre-emptive action” following claims from groups Prodigal Sons and Fit For The Kingdom that performances mocked sacred Catholic rites.
Landlord closes Divine Playhouse amid blasphemy claims
The Divine Playhouse opened last week in a deconsecrated church that previously served as the House of God until 1932. According to a statement from the organization, the venue was forced to close and postpone events while it explores legal options. The closure follows rallies by dozens of protesters and social media posts from Prodigal Sons and Fit For The Kingdom, which labeled the club’s performances “blasphemous.”
The organization stated that “offence was not our intent” and argued that the arts should be a place to challenge ideas through satire and performance. Heaps Gay Events currently holds the lease for the site, which is slated for future conversion into apartments.
Community and political reaction to Kent Street closure
The closure has drawn condemnation from local officials and artists. Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich described the venue as a “cool and creative addition” to the city’s economy and culture, stating on social media that the event is part of a “worrying trend” that may damage Sydney’s reputation as a global city.
City of Sydney Councillor Zann Maxwell called the move an “attack on the Queers in Sydney,” questioning why protesters were concerned with the sanctity of a space that has not hosted a sermon in nearly 100 years. Musician Ben Lee also criticized the protesters on Instagram, suggesting they look at “perversion and low moral character” in their own backyards.
Performers, including comedian Jacinta Gregory, expressed sadness over the shutdown. Ms. Gregory told news.com.au that performing in the space was “healing” after a childhood spent in church feeling “shame for the way God made me.” Artist Monica Higgins, who helped launch the venue on a tight budget with volunteers, told news.com.au she believes Christian groups “cherrypicked” acts to create a false narrative of mockery.
Legal challenges and potential for reopening
The future of the venue remains uncertain as the organizers seek a “constructive resolution.” Monica Higgins has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to “fight back,” arguing that the closure sets a “dangerous precedent” for community-built spaces.
Because the organization is currently exploring legal options, the venue could potentially reopen if a legal resolution is reached with the landlord. However, the site’s long-term trajectory is already set for development into apartments once the current lease term concludes.
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