Betty Burstall

Betty Margaret Burstall (born Betty Margaret Rogers 4 February 192614 June 2013) was an Australian theatre director who founded the La Mama Theatre in Melbourne in 1967. Burstall and her theatre are credited with leading the growth of contemporary theatre in Melbourne during the 1960s and 1970s.

Biography Burstall was inspired to establish the theatre after returning from New York City. She introduced off-Broadway contemporary theatre to Melbourne through La Mama. who remained the theatre's artistic director until 2023. Burstall continued as script adviser until 2004.

Burstall was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours. She was inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2001.

Betty Burstall was predeceased by husband, film director Tim Burstall, in 2004. She died on 14 June 2013, at the age of 87, while Boyd's pencil drawing, "Betty Burstall with her son Dan" is held by the Art Gallery of South Australia.