Memories of Port Moresby theatre

In those days when we were all very young and called ourselves Territorians, Klaus Pinker was a leading light in Port Moresby dramatic circles, even establishing his own theatre company. He also acted, designed sets and conducted classes in stagecraft. Last night, aged around 80, he popped up in a new play at the Noosa Arts Theatre.

Klaus, who has lived for years on the Sunshine Coast, is known in the region for his theatrical and choral performances, his music appreciation classes and his promotion of the arts on community radio. Before going to PNG I n the sixties, he had played roles in the TV series Homicide and Hunter.

Last night, for the first time in 40 years, I saw Klaus in Frank Wilkie’s new play Newsroom (written under the mentorship of David Williamson) playing the minor but significant character of Ed McLaren with an unlikely German elocution. Klaus also designed sets for the production.