The National Black Theatre finally secures government funding and opens an Art and Cultural Centre in a warehouse in Botany Street, Bettie Fisher is appointed administrator. The Cake Man, written by Robert Merritt, is the theatre's first formal production, with Justine Saunders and Zac Martin and Bindi Williams. On opening night, the theatre is so packed that many people stand outside and listen through the walls. The playwright is a prisoner at Long Bay jail and is escorted to the performance by police guard. On the stage at the end of the performance, he is presented with a cake. (V55 ‘Redfern saved my life’)
