The Australian Popular Theatre subset was established in 2006 with a focus on variety theatre of the 19th and early 20th century. It is designed to provide information on a large number of Australian-based stage artists and writers, and the scripts, designers, entrepreneurs, and others in this rich area of popular culture history which to date has received little analysis, but which is increasingly being recognised as a key site for the expression of ideas about Australian people, identities, and behaviour.
Database focuses on Australian variety theatre of the 19th and early 20th century and provides information on Australian stage artists and writers, and the scripts, designers, entrepreneurs.