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Keith Gallasch, a much-loved Australian theatre identity, has died at the age of 80.
A writer and playwright, he was well-known Down Under for his passionate commitment to the arts, especially theatre.
Taking to their official social media, Create NSW announced that the Adelaide-born creator passed away on January 22.
It is understood that Gallasch had been hospitalised in Sydney with an undisclosed illness in the weeks before he died.
Born in 1942, Gallasch began his career as a teacher and went on to be honoured with an Order of Australia (OA) for his contribution to the arts in 2022.
In 1976 he became a founding member of Troupe, an innovative performance group based in Adelaide and later forged a strong relationship with the State Theatre of Adelaide.
Much loved Australian theatre identity Keith Gallasch (L) has died at age 80. A writer and playwright, he was well-known Down Under for his passionate commitment to the arts, especially theatre
Taking to their official social media, Create NSW announced that the Adelaide-born creator passed away on January 22. (Pictured from his Facebook)
He was also an important member of the Literature Board of the Australia Council (1983–85) – which was the forerunner to what is now Creative Australia.
With his long-term partner Virginia Baxter, Gallasch founded the Open City theatre company in 1987 which produced new works at the Performance Space in Sydney, as well as for radio.
In 1994 the couple founded an arts magazine RealTime which went on to have a major impact in the creative community.
Creative Australia, in their official tribute to Gallasch, described the free paper as ‘a groundbreaking magazine devoted to documenting and championing innovation in the arts worldwide.’
Gallasch, who was devoted to innovation and experimentation in the arts, was RealTime’s managing editor.
His achievements also included editing the In Repertoire series alongside Virginia Baxter, which helped promote touring Australian performances in music, dance, Indigenous arts, theatre for young people and new media art.
‘Keith had a long association with Creative Australia (formerly the Australia Council for the Arts), receiving multiple grants as a playwright and dramaturg and serving as a theatre and music assessor,’ CA said in their obituary of Gallasch.
Members of the creative community have taken to social member with tributes to Gallasch.
Creative Australia in their official tribute to Gallasch described the free paper as ‘a groundbreaking magazine devoted to documenting and championing innovation in the arts worldwide.’ Pictured: Front cover of an issue if RealTime
‘Keith Gallasch’s legacy is one of dedication, collaboration, and an enduring love for the arts,’ said Alice Nash, Creative Australia Executive Director Arts Investment.
She continued: With a passion for innovation, Keith left an indelible mark on countless creative endeavours and the people who shared his journey. We extend our deepest sympathies to Keith’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.’
‘RealTime made the incredible creative works happening in NSW small to medium arts organisations, visible to the rest of Australia and beyond,’ Create NSW said in their tribute on Facebook.
‘One of the great pillars of Australian performance community, gone,’ shared a user on X, in tribute to Gallasch.
‘A writer, dramaturg, editor and erstwhile performer’ Keith was both a primary witness and documenter and the keeper of our collective culture – a thankless task in many ways,’ they continued.
‘I’m shocked to hear of the passing of Keith Gallasch. He was one of the great unsung heroes of Australian cultural life, so sad,’ said another.
