Riverside's National Theatre of Parramatta - 2023 Season Brochure

WELCOME TO RIVERSIDE’S NATIONAL THEATRE OF PARRAMATTA 2023 SEASON

That old saying “may you live in interesting times” has never seemed more true! As our world continues to emerge from the challenges of the past years, it’s easy to feel that both our nation and our planet continue to be presented with an array of political, societal and economic changes and challenges that are never-ending. What has been clear however is that despite what comes our way, the human need for us to connect and share stories that lift and inspire us to see new perspectives and ideas has never been greater.

Indeed, one of the gifts of the pandemic has hopefully been an even greater appreciation that a world without connection and shared experience of live theatre and art seems so much emptier and less fulfilling.

Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta is all about that connection. Our mission is to create opportunities for greater and Western Sydney’s talented young artists and creatives to bring stories to the stage that are provocative, relevant, inspiring and that shine a light on the variety and complexities of our modern lives.

Our 2023 season is a varietal palette of stories celebrating diversity, and the power of music, friendship and identity in their many guises. It is a privilege and pleasure to be back with a full season and to welcome you as guests in our house. As we continue to help build and grow a thriving theatrical and artistic community in Western Sydney, we look forward to challenging and entertaining you in 2023 and beyond as Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta continues our own exciting growth story.

Craig McMaster Director – Riverside Theatres

PUTTING THE NATION ON STAGE

Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) creates, commissions, presents and tours performances that resonate with and reflect contemporary Australia’s place in the world. NTofP is proud to be at the forefront of building a vibrant artistic community as part of Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney’s leading performing arts centre.

We are creating work that speaks to our times with engagement and inclusivity at our core and numerous successful initiatives such as our True West program ensuring opportunities for artists to develop their careers.

NTofP continues to create a place where audiences see themselves, their families, friends and communities reflected on stage.

Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta is proud to be part of the City of Parramatta which champions people and creativity, threading a cultural heartbeat throughout the cityscape.

With your support, National Theatre of Parramatta with its fresh, ever evolving approach, continues to grow and be recognised as a leading cultural organisation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the Dharug people, traditional custodians of the land where Riverside is now situated, and the Burramattagal people, a clan of the Dharug, who settled along the Parramatta River over 60,000 years ago.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we acknowledge the culture and history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta is proudly supported by City of Parramatta Council.

FRONT COVER IMAGE BY KATHY LUU

MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WELCOME

Join us for a season of empowerment and place, of finding your own voice, the challenges of losing it and the pathways back to claiming your own identity. Our season embraces finding your place in the world, resilience, community, hope and a world of possibilities.

Our journey begins with Tony nominated work Choir Boy , a riveting drama of a young man from the wrong side of the tracks trying to assert his place through talent. We are thrilled to present the Australian premiere by Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney ( Moonlight ) at Riverside Theatres.

Our bookend is an Aussie road trip - think a younger, more sassy version of Thelma & Louise - with Western Sydney besties Rosa and Asheeka heading out from landmark North Parra McDonalds in an accidentally stolen car. Adapted from Felicity Castagna’s multi-award-winning book Girls in Boys’ Cars , NTofP has commissioned an action packed adaptation by Priscilla Jackman. Jeneffa Soldatic returns to direct Tanya Saracho’s Fade . An exploration of culture, class and exploitation through the unauthorised “borrowing” of stories in the name of entertainment.

2023 also marks the consolidation of our True West program, which opens with a celebration of the talent and creativity of Western Sydney artists and our commitment to building an arts industry, offering points of connection, nurturing and supporting artists with presentations of new work and sneak peeks of ideas.

True West recognises the need for providing artist opportunities and we are thrilled to be supporting The Life Cycle of Blanco in a firstlook edition, where you, the audience get to view Vonne Patiag’s work in creation.

You can also catch Lucy Clements directing Girl Band in our True West program. Lipsync along to 90’s pop with Katy Warner’s world premiere as we delve into the world of control, who has it and the concept of ‘Girl Power’.

In a totally different take on place, we head to the virtual world with a tour of Javaad Alipoor’s Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran where digital, politics and the relationship of people to real and imaginary spaces come to life.

Underlying the performances you see on stage, National Theatre of Parramatta is building a world of opportunity, finding pathways from our place to the world and back. We proudly launch Staging the World in 2023, an international mentorship program. which opens with globally acclaimed playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney.

Come and join our celebration of place and telling stories that reflects ourselves and our experiences with hope and inspiration and some fun along the way.

Joanne Kee Executive Producer National Theatre of

Parramatta

PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERT CATTO

is NTofP’s capacity building program that supports and shines a light on the fresh and vibrant voices of Western Sydney artists from creation to skills development and production.

Based in the geographic heart of Sydney, we are amplifying these voices and adding their stories to our cultural landscape.

With independent artists and companies being a critical component of the holistic makeup of a thriving arts sector we are committed to providing pathways and platforms for new ideas and works to be nurtured and seen. In 2023 the spotlight is on Vonne Patiag’s The Life Cycle of Blanco (creative first look) and Lucy Clements, New Ghosts Theatre Company’s Girl Band .

True West also supports the development of new ideas, showcases emerging artists, provides networking opportunities, presents play readings and delivers skills development programs such as Page to Stage, Creative Futures mentorships and open table sessions (which have led to main stage productions).

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHY LUU

FEATURED: ERIN TAYLOR, LUCY CLEMENTS, ANTONY MAKHLOUF AND JOSEPH RABOY

A CREATIVE FIRST LOOK SUPPORTED THROUGH NATIONAL THEATRE OF PARRAMATTA’S TRUE WEST PROGRAM

THE LIFE CYCLE OF BLANCO

BY VONNE PATIAG

A tale of invisibility, rage and the uplifting power of survival.

Part monologue, part eulogy, and packing more than a punch, Blanco honours his dying creative ambitions with documentarian flair.

Blanco has decided to end the ‘short life cycle’ of his acting career due to the culminating effect of hidden and casual racism on his psyche.

How do we thrive in life when faced with so many dead ends in our artistic endeavours? Blanco proves that sometimes the truth can be more entertaining, but it’s up to you if you want to laugh.

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHY LUU

THE JAVAAD ALIPOOR COMPANY PRESENTED BY RIVERSIDE’S NATIONAL THEATRE OF PARRAMATTA

RICH KIDS: A HISTORY OF SHOPPING MALLS IN TEHRAN

BY JAVAAD ALIPOOR CO-CREATED BY JAVAAD ALIPOOR AND KIRSTY HOUSLEY

Touring with the support of Arts on Tour to Geelong, Gold Coast and Canberra Visit our website for details

The global gap between rich and poor has never been greater. As the world decays, the spawn of the powerful dance like everyone is watching.

Winner of the 2019 Scotsman Fringe First Award, Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran is a darkly comedic, urgent new play about entitlement, consumption and digital technology, that explores the ubiquitous feeling that our societies are falling apart.

Combining digital theatre and a live Instagram feed Javaad Alipoor explores digital technology, resentment and fracturing identities are changing the world.

“Profound. Connective, global and personal all at once.” - Audience member

PHOTO CREDIT: PETER DIBDIN

ةلفح

HAFLA /HAF.LA/ (NOUN) BANQUET, FEAST, CELEBRATORY PARTY

A mezza of queer voices from Sydney’s West

Celebrating Western Sydney artists, join us for our special salon that celebrates queer and Middle Eastern culture with music, storytelling, a gathering with a Lebanese inspired high tea, curated by Antony Makhlouf.

For one day only we’re creating an LGBTIQ+ mini-festival at Riverside Theatres, where you can feast on four Sydney WorldPride events in one day.

From Choir Boy , to Hafla , a chilled out salon with pastries and stories, through to The Life Cycle of Blanco for a first look and to wrap it up, Maeve Marsden’s Queerstories . Soak up the atmosphere of Sydney WorldPride Western Sydney style.

Choose your own adventure, spend your day at Riverside or mix and match in Parramatta. Check out our neighbourhood from river to parklands to Eat Street.

ILLUSTRATION BY ANTONY MAKHLOUF

FADE

BY TANYA SARACHO DIRECTED BY JENEFFA SOLDATIC

A witty and insightful look into work, life, the dynamics of power, class and race and the manipulation of status as a minority. Lucia, a Mexican-born novelist, gets her first TV writing job. Feeling out of place in the male and white writing room, she quickly becomes friends with the only other Latinx around, a janitor named Abel. As he shares his stories, similar plots begin to find their way into Lucia’s TV scripts.

An observation on making it as an outsider and how far you’ll go for success.

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHY LUU

GIRLS IN BOYS’ CARS

BY FELICITY CASTAGNA ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY PRISCILLA JACKMAN

A complicated friendship. A journey they didn’t intend to happen. Asheeka and Rosa are two funny, sharp, adventurous young women who refuse to be held back any longer.

When they end up on a Thelma and Louise-esque road trip through Western Sydney, regional NSW and back again, a series of escalating events land Rosa in juvenile jail living her life through books and wondering about her best mate, who has disappeared.

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHY LUU

STAGING THE NATION PODCAST

As we stand in a complicated present, and face a hopeful future, NTofP is looking back through the contemporary Australian canon and shining a light on some of the writers that have grappled with the big questions of who we are as a nation, and the complexity of marginalised and underrepresented experiences.

Hosted by Dino Dimitriadis, each episode of this interview and podcast series spotlights an Australian playwright, one of their key plays, and a broader discussion around the playwright’s inspirations and body of work.

Guests include Anchuli Felicia King, Donna Abela, Paul Capsis, Wesley Enoch, Alana Valentine, Kate Mulvany, James Elazzi, Mary Rachel Brown, Dylan Van Den Berg and S. Shakthidharan

Scan QR code

Or listen via Spotify, Podbean or Apple Podcasts

THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD

HOME, MANCHESTER BATTERSEA

ARTS CENTRE,

LONDON

Following on from our First Look Creative development with The Javaad Alipoor Company in Sydney Festival 2022, National Theatre of Parramatta is thrilled to have co-produced the world premiere of this new work in October 2022 in Manchester and London.

Stay tuned for an Australian season of this exciting collaboration.

Commissioned by The Javaad Alipoor Company, National Theatre of Parramatta & HOME

PHOTO CREDIT: PHIL ERBACHER

STAGING THE WORLD

“I am always excited to engage writers and other artists in new work. I learn so much about the world and by offering what I know, I gain such insight and hope for the future.”

- Tarell Alvin McCraney

STAGING THE WORLD is an intensive skills development program for artists, to work with and be mentored by established international BIPOC artists. National Theatre of Parramatta is an essential hub for inclusivity, creative exploration, growth and empowerment. Our work and programs are critical in that we invest in careers and open doors for our artists, creating long-term opportunities.

In its first year, an intimate group of playwrights will attend an intensive two-week mentorship with one of the world’s leading playwrights, Tarell Alvin McCraney (Co-Chair of Playwriting at David Geffen School of Drama formerly Yale School of Drama; an ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago). McCraney’s film Moonlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture and McCraney and Barry Jenkins won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

PHOTO CREDIT: JUSTIN BETTMAN

SUPPORT US

“…we haven’t gotten the chance to tell our story from our point of view.”

- Tanya Saracho (Fade)

Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta nurtures creative communities that speak to a new wave of global theatre-making. Where authentic, inclusive voices are welcoming new audiences and fresh voices speak to our future. Believing in the power of theatre, NTofP is nurturing talent through our many engagement and skills development opportunities by providing networks and platforms to create and present new stories from fresh perspectives. Our programs provide access, visibility and infrastructure that support and build capacity for performance. We are proud to be a leader and part of the vibrant artistic community in Western Sydney. For detailed information on our programs and how to support us, scan here.

Tax deductible donations for our Staging the World mentorship programs can be made via the Australian Cultural Fund.

Currently these programs primarily focus on Western Sydney creatives.

IMAGE FROM QUEEN FATIMA BY JAMES ELAZZI. IMAGE CREDIT: NONI CARROLL

ONLINE

www.riversideparramatta.com.au

PHONE

Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399

IN PERSON

Visit us at the Riverside Theatres Box Office

COVID SAFE

TRANSACTION FEES

Members – Free Online/Phone/Counter – $4.95

RIVERSIDE MEMBERSHIP

Access great value and exclusive benefits. Visit https:// riversideparramatta.com.au/yourvisit/membership/ to sign up.

Riverside Theatres is a registered COVID Safe venue with the NSW Government. The health and safety of all Riverside patrons and staff is at the forefront of all our operations. Our policy will be consistently reviewed and will be updated in line with NSW Health guidelines and advice, City of Parramatta WS policy and procedure. Please check the website prior to attending Riverside Theatres for the most up-to-date information: riversideparramatta.com.au/your-visit/patronsafetyinformation/ It is important that if you are unwell you stay home, we have updated our ticket conditions and our Box Office team are available to talk through your exchange and refund options. You can contact the Box Office on 02 8839 3399 or email BoxOffice_Riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au Thank you for keeping our community safe.

NATIONAL THEATRE OF PARRAMATTA

Executive Producer, National Theatre of Parramatta Joanne Kee

Acting Producer Daniel Cottier Company Coordinator Sarah Mott Project Officer Leigh Russell

Acting Assistant Producer Marie-Jo Orbase Production Partner Paperjam

RIVERSIDE THEATRES LEADERSHIP TEAM

Director Craig McMaster Marketing & Communications Sophie Anderson Leadership Team Administrator Cassandra Bayley Operations Manager Mike Brew Coordinator - Ticketing & Box Office Dave Fili Business Coordinator - Venue Hire Marijana Jevremov

Executive Producer, National Theatre of Parramatta Joanne Kee Business Manager Tanya Sampson Program Manager Catherine Swallow