Supporter Spotlight: Sue Viney

Sue Viney is a long-time supporter and cherished friend of Bell Shakespeare, and has been part of our story since the 1990s, attending countless productions and sharing in our passion for bringing Shakespeare’s works to life.

What is your connection to Shakespeare? Is there a story behind how you developed a love for theatre, literature, and the arts?

I have loved Shakespeare’s plays since high school! Although the teaching was not always inspired, the language and the themes of the various plays we studied enthralled me. I had two teachers who inspired a love of live theatre, and over the last 50 years I’ve had various subscriptions to theatre companies, attending plays and other forms of performance. I love reading – it’s the great escape. Though (as we all know) it can cause problems when attending a performance or seeing a film that doesn’t accord with my vision!

Can you tell us how you first came to be familiar with Bell Shakespeare?

I think my late husband Dick and I must have seen an advertisement for a production in Melbourne and attended. I can’t remember what the first thing we saw was, but over the years we’ve had many lively discussions about productions and the mounting of plays, including when we’ve not enjoyed the staging!

You have been a cherished supporter and friend of Bell Shakespeare since 1997. We cannot thank you enough for your continued enthusiasm for what we do. What excites you most about supporting Bell Shakespeare?

I love the outreach to schools. Much of the teaching of Shakespeare when I was at school was dull and did its best to destroy any interest students might have had! Dick and I’ve been able to attend some of The Players’ performances in schools and have seen how engaging the performances and the discussions with the students are.
 

The education component is the most important aspect to me and I love being able to support that, especially the engagement with remote areas.

What has been a highlight for you during your relationship with Bell Shakespeare?

Apart from the stimulation of the productions, seeing The Players in schools has been a true highlight. I remember once seeing a component of Macbeth played – Lady Macbeth’s speech in Act 1, Scene 7 when she’s convincing Macbeth to commit to murdering Duncan. The Players played it in two different ways – one commanding and contemptuous and one seductively. It was riveting and I’d never thought of Lady Macbeth as being seductive. Dick and I talked about it for the rest of the day.

What advice or encouragement would you offer to someone thinking about donating to Bell Shakespeare?

I’d encourage everyone to donate. I think the plays are still so relevant to today’s issues and Shakespeare’s language is so beautiful that it is worthwhile ensuring access to them.  In particular, I think allowing students to experience the beauty of the words and to explore the issues is worthwhile.

What excites you about the future of the Company?

I’ve been extremely impressed by the capacity of the Company to move beyond being reliant on the wonderful John Bell and to move to a sustainable future. I can see the Company making use of technology to increase its reach and impact and I love that. 

Thank you, Sue.

Please contact Ell Katte at ellk@bellshakespeare.com.au if you want to hear more about how you can leverage your support.