We acknowledge the Dharug people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which Grant Theatre operates. We pay respects to the Elders past and present, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community for young people to expand their understanding of the works of Shakespeare. We believe that students should never feel alienated in their study of theatre and deserve the opportunity to see the written word come to life on stage.
We have made it our mission to provide students in Western Sydney with unforgettable experiences that not only enhance their understanding of Shakespeare but also ignite a lifelong love for the performing arts.
Our talented team of actors, directors, and educators is committed to bridging the gap between the classroom and the stage. We understand the challenges of studying Shakespeare in high school, and we are here to make it a thrilling adventure.
Whether you are encountering the Bard’s works for the first time or delving deeper into his masterpieces, Grant Theatre is your ticket to a world of excitement and discovery. We offer accessible performances that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage with Shakespeare in a meaningful way.
Join us on this remarkable journey of exploration and enlightenment. Together, we will unlock the mysteries of Shakespeare’s texts, unravel the complexities of his characters, and celebrate the enduring power of the stage.
FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
KIT SUESSKOW
Grant Theatre is thrilled to present our eagerly anticipated new season for 2023. We firmly believe the live performance of Shakespeare is a transformative experience for student learning and we aspire to ignite a spark of inspiration in the next generation of creatives.
I am delighted to share this year’s new program, which brings 4 plays to the stage with a plethora of additional workshops to enhance the experience. Each production has been thoughtfully crafted around young people, in collaboration with young people and their educators. Our commitment to enriching the education of our audiences has guided our curation of plays for this season, to best support students under the current curriculum.
To kick off our season, we have the timeless classic Romeo & Juliet. In fair Verona, the Capulets and the Montagues uphold an age-old grudge. Love and tragedy intertwine as young lovers attempt to remain together against their parents’ wishes. Brennan Ashworth and Jessica Ly step into the roles of the young lovers and promise many captivating performances to come.
Arriving in April is our rendition of Richard III, following the rise of and fall of the nefarious Duke of York (Brennan Ashworth) as he manipulates his way onto the British throne. This tale is one of ambition and trickery. We dive deep into the mind of one of Shakespeare’s most charismatic and complex villains.
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, we take a step into the magical woods of Athens. Newcomer Brodie Ventura joins the company as Puck alongside our brilliant cast. This production is sure to bring laughter with its bizarre and fantastical explorations of love.
To close off the season, we are bringing to the stage The Taming of the Shrew. We delve into the complex relationship of Katherine (Isabelle Arancon) and Petruchio (Rory Dearnley) and how conventions of gender and society influence both our past and our modern world.
Once again, I would like to thank both students and teachers alike for joining us in the theatre and supporting our program. None of this would be possible without the passionate support of our local communities. I hope you all find this season invigorating and leave with an appreciation for the bard himself.
Exeunt.
OUR SEASON
10th february - 7th april riverside theatre
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Directed by Rachel O’Sirideain
Set & Costume Designer Gayeon Min
Lighting Designer Claire Seymour
Sound Designer Justin Dinh
Stage Manager Rivka Weisberg
Assistant Stage Manager Olivia Brenner
Intimacy & Fight Director Kirby Salinger
Company Manager Juliana Montag
With Brennan Ashworth Jessica Ly
I DEFY YOU STARS!
Enter the streets of Verona as Rachel O’Sirideain brings a captivating rendition of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy to the stage. With a youthful perspective of the classic tale of forbidden love, this production delves into the heart of bittersweet passion, familial feuds, and the unbreakable bonds that transcend societal boundaries. You’ll be immersed in a visually stunning and charged experience that brings the age-old story to life for our modern audiences. Prepare to be spellbound by the star-crossed lovers, where love sparks amidst a world seething with discord.
We bring you into the cunning mind of Richard III, Duke of York with the ambition to be a king. Peter Riley helms Shakespeare’s portrayal of one of English royalty’s darkest moments. With a mesmerising blend of psychological intrigue and political manoeuvring, we explore the ruthless tactics employed by Richard to ascend the throne, sparking a cold-blooded sequence of events that lead to this inevitable downfall. Experience the haunting tale of power, corruption, deceit, and this Machiavellian villain’s relentless pursuit for power.
Be whisked away into the forests of Athens, where mystical and magical creatures lie in wait. Under the direction of Faye Seeker, we bring a touch of whimsy and a dash of mischief to the stage, telling a tangled tale of intertwined lovers. Under the moonlight, our story unfolds as two couples run into the forest, only to land into the impish machinations of the fairy Puck. We blur dreams and reality on stage and bring illusions to life in this enchanting production.
I SEE A WOMAN MAY BE A FOOl, IF SHE HAD NOT A SpIRIT TO RESIST.
The headstrong Katherine finds herself in a tempestuous relationship with the boastful, selfish Petruchio. Through Suesskow’s lens, the play critiques our modern understanding of gender dynamics and the role they play in contemporary society. We invite audiences to contemplate how power, identity and societal expectations evolve, through the plights of our leading couple and the world around them. As Katherine’s immovable object meets Petruchio’s unstoppable force, we find ourselves on a trail of introspection, humour, and celebration of the complexity of human relationships.
ages 14+
YOUTH ACTOR pROGRAM
Calling all young aspiring actors!
Grant Theatre invites students aged 13-18 in the Western Sydney area to join our Youth Actor Program, a fun-filled experience that runs over 15 days during the summer holidays. Whether you’re a budding thespian or just curious to try out the world of theatre, this program is your ticket to an unforgettable summer adventure.
Under the guidance of our dedicated mentors, you’ll explore the art of acting, develop your performance skills, and create lasting memories with a vibrant community of fellow young performers. Discover the magic of the theatre and let your creativity shine!
Learn more at granttheatre.com.au/youth-actors
pOST SHOW q&A’S
We invite all our young theatregoers to join us for post-show Q&A sessions following any of our Wednesday and Friday performances, included in the price of your ticket.
These sessions offer a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of the play, gain insights into the creative process, and engage in thought-provoking discussions with our talented cast and crew. Don’t miss out on becoming a part of the Grant Theatre conversation!
CREATIvE TAlkS
We are excited to announce our series of enlightening talks with our creative staff, designed to support teachers and educators in their mission to share Shakespeare with high school students. These engaging sessions will provide invaluable insights, teaching strategies, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our productions, equipping you with the tools to make Shakespeare come alive in the classroom. Join us in this enriching dialogue between theatre and education, as we work together to inspire and empower the next generation. Don’t miss out - reserve your spot today!
GET YOUR TICkETS
HOW TO BOOK
ONLINE in person
STANDARD pRICES
A digital version of our ticketing form is available to complete on our website at granttheatre.com. au/book
Feel free to drop by the Box Office at Riverside Theatres to purchase your tickets and if you require assistance, our friendly team will be available to help. You will receive both a physical ticket and an e-ticket will be sent to an email of
key dates
8 August 2023
2024 Season launches
Adult $30
Senior $25
Education*$25
Student, Concession $20
Under 18s $20
*Education tickets apply to teachers and other relevant educators
SEASON PASSES
Want to see multiple shows and save on your tickets? Go to granttheatre.com.au/book to check out how you can get your hands on a 2024 Season Pass at Grant Theatre.
PERFORMANCE TIMES MOVING YOUR SEAT?
Standard performance times are:
Wednesday & Thursday 11am
Friday & Saturday 11am & 7:30pm
Sunday 11am & 5pm
*Performance times might differ for each production. Please check our website for specific performance times.
Having a change of heart on where to sit? Ticket holders can exchange tickets for free up to 24 hours prior to your booked performance. This exchange is subject to availability.
Further ticket exchanges may incur a fee, payable at the time of exchange.
SCHOOl GROUpS
LOOKING TO BRING YOUR SCHOOL TO THE THEATRE?
School groups are welcome to attend any of our sessions here at Grant Theatre. Our weekday matinee performances are all scheduled to accommodate common school times.
We encourage schools looking to bring groups of 10+ students book early so that we can provide you with discounted tickets rates and ensure your groups are seated together and comfortably.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please contact us directly by either phone or email to organise your booking.
WANT TO BOOK AN INCURSION?
For those who want to bring the intrigue of theatre into their schools, we offer full-day incursions on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout each show’s run.
Feel at home while our talented troupe of performers put on a captivating show. You will also have the opportunity to have a Q&A with the cast and crew and join us for some dedicated workshops with our teaching artists.
We are dedicated to providing an enrapturing experience for all students. Let us know how we can work with your school to give our best performance!
SUppORT US
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the vibrant enthusiasm and generous support of our community. Your philanthropy helps us to bring theatre to young people all over Western Sydney and embolden the next generation of theatremakers.
Our theatre is small but mighty, and through continued support we are encouraged to take risks, to grow and evolve.
Donating is open to all. No contribution is too small a step to make change. Here’s how you can be involved:
WAYS TO DONATE
You can give a one-off donation or a regular monthly contribution of any amount!
Round up or add a donation on top of your Grant Theatre tickets when you book.
HOW TO DONATE
It’s super easy to set up a one-off or monthly donation to Grant Theatre!
Grant Theatre Company Ltd Donations Fund Commonwealth Bank
BSB ABC-DEF ACC 1234-5678
You can contact our donations team by phone at:
+02 5550 2273 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm)
Alternatively, you can email our team at donations@ granttheatre.com.au
We have specific creative programs for donors who wish to target their support. You can learn more on our website!
ACCESSIBIlITY
grant theatre IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING BARRIER-FREE ACCESS TO OUR SHOWS SO ALL STUDENTS CAN HAVE A THOUGHT-PROVOKING, IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE.
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES
Vision Australia provides a complimentary audio description service for audience members who are vision impaired. For Audio-Described Performance dates and times, please refer to individual show pages on our website.
AUSLAN
PERFORMANCES HEARING LOOP
Grant Theatre can provide an Auslan interpreter for each of our productions.
If you require an interpreter for an upcoming performance, please contact us via email at boxoffice@granttheatre. com.au at least 30 days before your visit.
RELAXED
PERFORMANCES
Relaxed performances are open to everyone but conditions are modified to accommodate children with sensory and learning challenges. The atmosphere is non-judgemental and we embrace noisy enthusiasm. We leave the house lights on (dimmed), the auditorium doors stay open, and a chill out area is available in the foyer throughout the show.
For Relaxed Performance dates and times, please refer to individual show pages on our website.
Our upgraded hearing loop amplifies sounds to seats throughout the theatre.
If you would like to access this service, let us know when booking and a receiver will be available at the Box Office.
wheelchair access companion cards
Riverside Theatres offer level access and space for wheelchairs in all theatres.
Accessible toilets are located at either end of the Riverside Theatres foyer.
A courtesy wheelchair (standard manual wheelchair) is available for loan, if required. Please see the Front of House staff to secure a courtesy wheelchair.
We accept Companion Cards for all ticketed events. A Companion Card allows the cardholder to book a free ticket for the companion who will assist them during their visit. Companion Card tickets do not cover additional items such as meals, or VIP packages.
Please contact boxoffice@ granttheatre.com.au to book. You will also need to have the card with you on the day of the event.
CAlENDAR
CAlENDAR
TAMING OF THE SHREW
plAN YOUR vISIT
grant theatre operates out of riverside theatres, located at the corner of market st & church st, parramatta nsw 2150
by car by BUS
Permanent traffic changes are now in place on and around Church St (between Market St & Macquarie St) for the Parramatta Light Rail.
Motorists traveling to Riverside should note these changes and events may affect the amount of time that it takes them to drive and park.
Riverside is approximately a 12-minute walk from Parramatta Train Station.
Exit the station from Parramatta Square (Exit 5), turn left towards Centenary Square and PHIVE. Turn right towards Church St, and follow it up to the theatre, just across the Lennox Bridge.
by TRAIN
Bus services are available to Parramatta from all directions: through Hills Bus, Sydney Buses and Hopkinsons.
The nearest bus stops are on Wilde Ave/Smith St - a short walk away from the theatre.
