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PERTH : Australian politicians have overturned the decision to name a new performing arts centre in Perth, Australia after late actor Heath Ledger.
Earlier this year, former Western Australia premier Alan Carpenter announced that the new drama venue which cost US$87 million to build in the late actor’s hometown would be named after the star in tribute.
At the construction site ceremony with Ledger’s father Kim, Carpenter even told reporters that his son would have been proud to put “his name” to the venture.
However, the state’s new premier, Colin Barnett, has decided to rename the venue to the ‘State Theatre Centre of Western Australia’, in favour of a more diverse title.
But Ledger fans can be assured that the "Dark Knight" star would still be commemorated with a 575-seat theatre within the centre.
“A great deal of consideration has been given to the name of the venue and this has involved consultation with the Ledger family, which is pleased that Heath is being acknowledged in this way, and a range of stakeholders,” says Australian Culture and Arts Minister John Day.
“The name, State Theatre Centre, strongly identifies the venue as a place of civic pride for all Western Australians and will be a venue where audiences can enjoy high quality performing arts by local, national and international artists.”
- CNA/jk
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