THE formidable creative director for the Centenary of Canberra, Robyn Archer, rarely gets things wrong, but she did last week when, at the centenary launch, she suggested thatCanberrahad, over the years,  normally been treated to minor Bell Shakespeare productions. 

Not so, Bell originally launched itself with “Hamlet” and “The Merchant of Venice” (the latter directed by Canberra’s Carol Woodrow) in a huge tent pitched at the National Aquarium and has, over the years, always brought its main-stage works to Canberra, often premiering them here to keen audiences of theatregoers, press and politicians.

Consistent with this history is the fact that a new partnership with Visa will be officially announced at a VIP opening of “The School For Wives” at the Canberra Theatre Centre on September 26. Additionally, Bell Shakespeare will announce its 2013 season on October 5 while still in Canberra and no doubt the centenary will figure prominently.

Visa will be the Canberra season partner for this production and will also support the first Bell Shakespeare production in 2013,  joining other cultural celebrations during the big year.

Bell’s general manager, Bronwyn Edinger, enthuses, “This partnership will support us in continuing to bring to life the timeless works of Shakespeare and other great writers in the national?s capital where we have been part of the cultural community for more than 20 years.”

Equally enthusiastic, Visa?s Country Manager Australia, Vipin Kalra, says, “We are proud to support the great work of Australia?s leading national theatre company in bringing Shakespeare and the classics to a wide audience in Australia?s capital.”

“The School For Wives,” by French playwright Moliere, is at the Canberra Theatre Centre from September 25 to October 25 before a season at Sydney Opera House.

Bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberra ticketing.com.au