Beatrice Waller, a postgraduate student at the University of Sydney pursuing a Master of Museum and Heritage Studies, spent 20 consecutive weeks at the Bell Shakespeare office. During this time, she conducted interviews with long-term staff and supporters to develop research on the Company’s philanthropic history, in celebration with our 35th anniversary.
Can you tell us a little about your project, how it came about, and what you were hoping to learn from it?
This project was the final component of my Master of Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of Sydney, where students are required to undertake some practical experience in the arts sector. As a result of the partnership between Bell Shakespeare and USYD, I was able to apply.
I applied because I was intrigued by the project itself. Bell Shakespeare wanted to record the stories of their supporters because it is such an important part of the culture & fabric of the company. Most internships offered involve collections management and data entry, and, in comparison, this one seemed unique and would give me a chance to lead on a project.
Bell Shakespeare wanted to capture the stories of some of their significant supporters, particularly from the early years, so I decided to narrow the focus to the history of philanthropy at the company. And it was clear to me from early on that Bell Shakespeare was founded on philanthropic support and has a very special relationship with their supporters.
We captured these stories in the format of Oral Histories: interviews where I spoke to individuals about their life and association with Bell. Oral history is particularly special because it captures more emotional history and memory in the person's own voice than traditional historical records do. Through this, I learnt so much about the company, but what really stood out was the vision and mission of the company. Since the beginning, education and accessibility of Shakespeare were central to John Bell's goals and this is why people supported him from the beginning. These supporters have remained loyal because this hasn't wavered, even 35 years later. The long-term relationship between Bell Shakespeare and its supporters is very special and something the community should be proud of.
Was there anything that really surprised you as you explored Bell Shakespeare’s history?
What really surprised me was the many ups and downs the company faced over the years and how they managed to get to the stable place they are in now. From the outside, Bell appears to be a stable company in the Australian arts and theatre scene, but it wasn't always this way. Many factors, including the difficulties of COVID, government funding changes, and the general decline of corporate support, has meant that Bell faced some significant periods of financial hardship. It was heart-warming to see how the company managed their funds wisely and kept growing their philanthropic support to get to a place where they are more stable. Arts funding is in a bit of a crisis at the moment, but Bell's early investment in their supporters makes them stand out as a company that will survive well in to the future.
You’ve had some very special conversations with some of our nearest and dearest. What do you think is most special about the philanthropic community at Bell Shakespeare?
As I mentioned above, it's the long-term loyalty of the supporters. The Bell community is clearly very intertwined and committed to the company's mission. Many interviewees mentioned that their support surpasses their personal artistic taste and is more focused on what Bell stands for. Many supporters may not personally agree with all artistic decisions, but they know that what Bell does is important and joyfully give because of that. I also have seen the personal relationships the supporters and the staff share. It's clear that they have developed genuine friendships over a shared passion for Shakespeare and live theatre. I felt very honoured to have been invited into that.
This year we hosted our True Beauty Gala, celebrating many of the truly beautiful moments that have brought us to where we are today. Is there a moment, story, or comment that really stood out to you that you’d like to share with our community?
There were so many! I think one of the most special things was interviewing John Bell himself. John and Anna generously invited me to their home, which was filled with works of art, and our conversation was so fruitful. We spoke about what the company stood for, his memories, his gratitude for the many people who stood by the company over the years and the decision to keep it alive after his retirement. They were so generous to me personally, too. We shared tea and biscuits, and they asked me about my studies and work.
I asked him to describe Bell Shakespeare using one line from Shakespeare's works. John said, "O brave new world, that has such people in it!" I think this is so poignant. Bell is a company built on relationships between people, and despite many challenges, this has remained central from the beginning. This line expresses genuine excitement at the prospect of knowing people, and Bell explores this both through the work, unpacking the human condition on stage, and, in their relationships, welcoming supporters, creatives and audience members into a genuine community.
What is your biggest takeaway from your research?
My biggest takeaway is that (sadly) struggle is a normal part of existing as an arts company in Australia, but that there is hope. Bell Shakespeare is a great example of how arts companies can build a solid base of support by staying true to their mission and fostering a support community. I think many arts companies could learn a lot from their example. The company and its supporters should be very proud of what they have built.
Photo 1: Beatrice Waller, John Bell AO OBE, and Jimmy the Dog. Photo 2: Beatrice Waller and Michael Chaney AO, Chair of Wesfarmers. Photo 3: Beatrice Waller with Kate Mulvaney's Richard III poster. Photo 4: Bell Shakespeare's 2026 Season Launch. Photo 5: Beatrice Waller and David Pumphrey OAM. Photo 6: Artistic Director Peter Evans, Beatrice Waller, and Elle Hrobat Partnerships Manager.
Bell Shakespeare will be releasing the project delivered by Beatrice, documenting Bell Shakespeare's philanthropic history, in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more details!
Please contact Bell Shakespeare’s Philanthropy and Major Gifts Manager, Ell Katte, at ellk@bellshakespeare.com.au if you want to hear more about how you can leverage your support.
