Reports out of Australia this week say performances at Horsham Town Hall in Victoria have been canceled or postponed after hidden cameras were allegedly discovered inside the theatre’s change rooms, setting off a police investigation and rattling the local arts community.
According to ABC News Australia, Victoria Police executed two search warrants in Horsham on April 2nd and seized mobile phones, computers, and storage devices for forensic examination. Police have said it remains unclear how long the devices were in place, but that they had allegedly been used “for a period of time.” A person of interest has reportedly been stood down from his job.
The venue has since temporarily closed, with at least one event cancelled and multiple others postponed, including performances scheduled into June.
Horsham Rural City Council said the cancellations were being made as a “precautionary measure” while the investigation continues, and said affected patrons, performers, and ticket holders would be contacted directly about new arrangements.
Among the productions affected is a local staging of The Wizard of Oz by the Horsham Arts Council. ABC reported that the show had been set to open on Thursday, April 23rd, but has now been postponed.
Horsham Arts Council president Erin Boutcher said the group was “devastated,” while also declining to comment on matters connected to the active investigation.
Another local theatre company, Smart Artz Theatre Inc, described the implications for its performers as “deeply, deeply affecting.”
A separate performance, Cirque Nouvelle by circus group Cameo Rascale, was also cancelled last week. The council initially described that cancellation as being due to “unforeseen circumstances,” later saying patrons were offered refunds and informed of alternative performances in nearby cities.
Victoria Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been affected by the alleged offending to contact Crime Stoppers.
