Fast forward to 2001-poetry replaced the popping kettles. The Queensland Government gave this place a grand makeover, transforming it into a magnet for creativity. The building now stretches over two and five stories, stitched together by Cox Architects and Multiplex Constructions, and houses a black box theatre where anything can take the stage. Today, The Judy is home to dance, circus, visual art, music-you name it. The walls hum with energy from organizations like the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts, Circa Contemporary Circus, and even the Institute of Modern Art. Wouldn't want to meet a mime on your way out though-you’d never hear them coming!
Why the name? It honors Judith Wright-a poet, environmentalist, and champion for Indigenous rights. Each year, this place bursts into verse with the Queensland Poetry Festival. And from 2002 to 2018, it pulsed with the sounds of BIGSOUND, helping launch the careers of many Aussie musicians.
So, as you stand here at the busy corner of Berwick and Brunswick, don’t just look-imagine. This is a place where art is brewed just as strongly as the tea once was.
