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After the end of the Second World War J.C Williamson Theatres Ltd brought American musicals to Australia.
However, there was also a renewed push to tell Australian stories, and to establish national performing arts companies. Australia had long had a vibrant amateur 'little theatre' scene, which was perhaps more experimental than mainstream companies, but the federal government increasingly invested in the performing arts.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s came what was known as the 'New Wave'.
Confident and provocative Australian voices and companies challenged attitudes and prejudices. The opening of the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point in 1973 gave Australian performing arts a dramatic centre stage.