Wagga theatrical and cultural icon's portrait returns to spotlight

Uncovered beneath Charles Sturt University’s mailroom floorboards was the portrait of one of Wagga’s most vibrant and influential cultural figures, the late Colin Anderson.

Colin Anderson was a beloved Wagga Wagga theatre director, actor, singer, writer, teacher, educator and mentor.

His portrait was officially handed over to the Museum of the Riverina as a tribute to his contribution to Wagga’s theatrical and cultural scene.

President of the Friends of Charles Sturt University, David Gilbey, who attended the event wearing one of Colin’s jackets, said the unveiling of Colin’s portrait was a momentous occasion.

“It’s a terrific day for those who knew Colin Anderson. I’m actually channeling his flamboyance — this jacket I’m wearing belonged to him,” David said.

“He wore it years ago at one of his downtown gigs. After he was done with it, it went back on the rack in a retail shop, and I picked it up as a bargain.

“Colin was small but flamboyant, and he was openly gay at a time when it wasn’t widely accepted, and he played a significant role in changing Wagga’s culture.

“When I moved here in 1975, the culture was quite homogeneous, and Colin brought fun, inventiveness, and theatrical vibrancy to the town. Many people adored him.”

David said Colin joined Riverina College of Advanced Education in 1973 and introduced drama courses for teacher education students.

“Importantly, he presented productions that were available on campus and downtown, bringing ‘town and gown’ together via theatre,” said Mr Gilbey.

“In 1974, he established what was to become the University Theatre Ensemble, providing an opportunity for students to perform in public.”

In 1974, Colin won the 1974 NSW Drama Festival ‘Best Actor’ Award for his part in the local production of the musical Stop the World I Want to Get Off.

“Colin was also a key figure in the establishment in 1986 of the Riverina Playhouse located in the centre of Wagga Wagga beside the Murrumbidgee River.

“In 2000, Charles Sturt University recognised Colin’s contribution to the arts by awarding him an honorary Doctorate of Arts.

“He was renowned for his energy and good humour, delighting audiences around the Wagga region.”

When the Riverina Playhouse opened in Wagga Wagga in 1986, a large black-and-white photographic portrait of Colin Anderson was hung in the foyer in recognition of his contribution to Wagga’s theatrical and cultural life. When the theatre was refurbished in 2018, the portrait was removed and stored at Charles Sturt University.

David said the former lecturer in music education, Roland Bannister, was instrumental in rediscovering the portrait.

“He was researching Colin’s involvement with Newcastle University and its cultural scene when he inquired about the portrait. It turned out that it had been stored under the floorboards of a mailroom at CSU.

“A drama student working there found it, put it up on the mailroom wall, and eventually, through correspondence, the portrait was brought back into the public eye.

“I’m truly pleased that the Museum of the Riverina has chosen to include it in their collection. I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the future, Colin is recognised as a major figure in Wagga’s cultural history — a man who made life here more colourful, creative, and worthwhile.

Museum of the Riverina acting manager, Sam Leah, said the museum was only too glad to accept this artistic donation and looked forward to providing a fitting home for the portrait, one easily accessible by the community Anderson so enjoyed entertaining.

“The Friends of CSU contacted the museum and asked if we’d be interested in adding it to our collection,” Sam said.

“It was an easy yes. We already knew about Colin’s contributions to the community through previous exhibitions, and this portrait is an important piece of social history that we’re proud to preserve for future generations.