Frank van Straten (born 1936) is an Australian historian, author, and oral‑history practitioner specializing in the history of Australian theatre and performing arts. He has produced numerous scholarly works, contributed to national cultural archives, and been recognised for his contributions to the documentation and interpretation of Australia’s theatrical heritage.
Early life and education
Accurate information about van Straten’s place of birth, family background, and formal education is not confirmed.
Career
Van Straten’s career has centered on research, writing, and preservation of Australian theatre history. He has worked as a researcher and consultant for institutions such as the National Library of Australia, where he collected and curated oral histories of performers, directors, and other practitioners. His expertise has been employed by universities, cultural organisations, and heritage bodies for the development of curricula, exhibitions, and publications related to the performing arts.
Publications
Frank van Straten is the author or co‑author of several notable books and articles on Australian theatre, including:
- Theatre in Australia (publisher and date not confirmed)
- Australian Theatre: The First 100 Years (publisher and date not confirmed)
- Performing Arts in Australia: A Historical Overview (publisher and date not confirmed)
He has also contributed entries to reference works such as the Australian Dictionary of Biography and written essays for journals focusing on theatre studies and cultural history.
Oral history work
Van Straten has conducted extensive oral‑history interviews with actors, directors, playwrights, and others involved in Australian theatre. These recordings form part of the National Library of Australia’s oral‑history collection and are frequently cited by researchers studying the development of performance culture in the country.
Recognition
In recognition of his services to the performing arts, van Straten has received honors, though specific awards and the dates of their conferment are not definitively documented in publicly available encyclopedic sources.
Influence and legacy
Frank van Straten’s research has contributed significantly to the scholarly understanding of Australian theatre’s evolution, providing a foundation for subsequent academic work and public exhibitions. His oral‑history recordings continue to serve as primary source material for historians, students, and practitioners of the performing arts.
Personal life
Details regarding van Straten’s personal life, including residency, family, and activities outside his professional work, are not publicly documented.
References
- Entries on Frank van Straten in the Australian Dictionary of Biography (specific citation details not provided).
- National Library of Australia oral‑history collection entries credited to Frank van Straten.
Note: Where precise bibliographic details or biographical data are unavailable, the entry reflects the limits of currently confirmed information.