TW CHAPTER TWO 2019
In 2019, we are setting out to embody our values and create a space for conversations that matter. This means presenting more work for children, young people and families. In Chapter 1 we are so excited to present Arena Theatre’s vital production of ROBOT SONG and Holly Austin’s ALPHABET SOUP. In Chapter 2 we host JUNGLE BUNGLE in a tent during school holidays, present the riotous MAD AS A CUTE SNAKE during Fringe Festival and host a new hiphop initiative for young people with the PLAY IT FORWARD HIP-HOP FESTIVAL. All these works are central to ensuring new people, young people, get to the theatre and become engaged with stories that matter. This year, we are also making a concerted effort to change the very face of Australian theatre, by putting teams led by female-identifying artists front and centre. Fleur Kilpatrick’s stunning adaptation of SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE leads the charge in Chapter 1, with Leah Shelton’s staggering BITCH ON HEAT, The Anchor’s thought-provoking THE THREE GRACES and Rebecca Meston’s riveting DRIVE filling out Chapter 2. On top of this, Bridget Balodis and Krystalla Pearce’s SHE IS VIGILANTE program will see six women writers develop new works throughout the year, creating new narratives and new voices for femaleidentifying people. Continuing our tradition of presenting tenacious, dangerous and boundary-shattering works, we are proud to present productions such as AUTOCANNIBAL by Mitch Jones and LET MEN TREMBLE by the Danger Ensemble. One a jaw-dropping solo piece, the other a rigorous ensemble show. Through new works by The Danger Ensemble, The Very Good Looking Initiative and The Anchor, we are supporting uncompromising ensemble practice; encouraging and promoting tight knit theatre communities and networks.
But where the focus of 2019’s programming truly lies is in our commitment to new writing and new scripts, proudly providing a platform for the storytellers of tomorrow. From ROBOT SONG to DRIVE to THE OTHER PLACE, THE THREE GRACES, MAD AS A CUTE SNAKE and SHE IS VIGILANTE, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are full of exciting new stories that need to be brought to life. This year we will support 13 of these productions through the funding we received from the Australian Government’s Catalyst fund - putting every last cent of it towards funding the artists that will ignite the imaginations of audiences throughout 2019. As an organisation, we don’t hold on to any of this money. We do this because the artists we want to work with need and deserve the support. There isn’t enough arts funding (full stop) to support independent artists and the visionary productions that we believe in. We believe in exploring and celebrating hidden and unheard voices. We believe in courage and curiosity and stories of joy, discovery and searing insight. We believe that the artists we have programmed across 2019 have the power to shape the future with their vision.
BRYCE IVES
Theatre Works respectfully acknowledges the Yalukit Willam Clan of the Boon Wurrung who are the traditional custodians of the land where Theatre Works is based. We pay our respect to their Elders, both past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land and extend that respect to other Indigenous Australians who join us at Theatre Works.
MAR 25 - APR 13
ROBOt SONG BY JOLYON JAMES PRESENTED BY Arena theatre Company and Theatre Works When eleven-year-old Juniper May receives a petition signed by her entire class stating that she is ‘the most hated person in the school’ her life is thrown into complete meltdown. After exhausting all other avenues, her parents resort to the only thing they have left, a giant singing robot. Using live animation, animatronics and with original music, ROBOT SONG is an incredible new work for audiences of all ages. It’s about family. It’s about creativity. It’s about ability and disability. It’s about robots.
“Gorgeously told and superbly crafted. A must-see for young people growing up in a world where bullying is widespread but who need to understand that difference should be seen as an asset.” FIONA PARKER ABC
Written, Directed and Designed by JOLYON JAMES Composer/Musical Director NATHAN GILKES Assistant Director SARAH BRANTON Dramaturgy CHRISTIAN LEAVESLEY Script Consultant ANTHONY CROWLEY Costume Design BETH SAYER Lighting Design PAUL LIM Production Manager BEN VAN DILLEN Stage Manager THERESA O’CONNOR Performed By ASHLEA PYKE AND PHILLIP MCINNES Photo By JOLYON JAMES
apr 06 - 20
ALPHABET SOUP BY HOLLY AUSTIN PRESENTED BY THEATRE WORKS Who says that mime is daggy, clowns are scary and only boys can beatbox? Dive into this surreal adventure with Dr Audi-YO (star of Ruby’s Wish) as she uses her magic looping jacket and your imaginations to take you on a journey into her ALPHABET SOUP. This all-ages show promises to kick your imagination into overdrive. It’s Dr Suess meets The Umbilical Brothers meets Mr Bean!
“Austin has a kind of genius in her performance, a happy, infectious tenacity. She’s like Sally Hawkins in Happy-Go-Lucky or Audrey Tautou in Amélie.” SEE SAW MAGAZINE
Written and Performed by HOLLY AUSTIN Directed by MILES O’NEIL Dramaturg NAOMI EDWARDS Interaction Design ANNIE MCKINNON Sound Technician WALTER PONCE Creative Brains Trust ALEX WALKER and THE HOUSE OF MUCHNESS Produced by TAHNI FROUDIST Photo By NATHANIEL DEAN
APR 24 - MAY 05
SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE BY KURT VONNEGUT | ADAPTED BY FLEUR KILPATRICK PRESENTED BY MUST AND THEATRE WORKS This all happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true. The aliens, spaceships, human zoo and assassination, perhaps less so. But there really was a city called Dresden and it really was firebombed during a war that was really fought by children. And Kurt Vonnegut Jnr really did witness all that fire and death as a prisoner of war. And he wrote a book about it. And that book became one of the 20th Century’s most beloved and important novels. And award-winning playwright Fleur Kilpatrick really has adapted it for the stage to be performed by people no older than the ones we once sent to war.
“This is a story I’ve always wanted to put on stage. It is a deeply painful and messy story – it makes war look foolish and embarrassing – but it is also very funny, full of delicious sci-fi, porn and aliens.” FLEUR KILPATRICK
Adapted and Directed by FLEUR KILPATRICK Designed by JASON LEHANE Produced by YVONNE VIRSIK Assistant Director KITTY MALAM Sound Design JUSTIN GARDAM Lighting Design JOHN COLLOPY Photo By NURA SHEIDAEE
MAY 08 - 19
BITCH ON HEAT BY LEAH SHELTON PRESENTED BY LEAH SHELTON and Theatre Works Love latex and hate the patriarchy? Pour a drink, ditch the leash, and come revel in this twisted rehashing of the vintage sexism that drives how we live and love and fight and f*ck. Absurdist lip-synch meets high-camp performance art in this pop-fuelled critique of sexual politics in the age of implied consent. Nothing is sacred as psycho-siren Leah Shelton trawls through a Pandora’s box of ancient myths, porn, pop-culture, instructional records and revenge movie heroines. Welcome to the doghouse. Beware. This Bitch bites.
“An all-guns blazing, brute force demolition of sexual politics” GUTTER CULTURE “Simply magnificent ...don’t think I’ve ever seen an audience so totally gobsmacked.” SEESAW MAGAZINE
Created and Performed by LEAH SHELTON Directed by URSULA MARTINEZ Conceptual Collaborator DANIEL EVANS Producer ALISON HALIT Sound Design KENNETH LYONS Lighting Design JASON GLENWRIGHT Costume & Set Design LEAH SHELTON Dramaturg SAFFRON BENNER Choreographic Collaborator LIESEL ZINK Production Manager CHRISTINE FELMINGHAM Voiceover HUGH PARKER Voiceover Recording GUY WEBSTER Photo By SARAH WALKER
MAY 15 - 18
SWANSONG BY Connor McDermottroe PRESENTED BY Theatre Works Back by popular demand and following sell-out seasons in New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne in 2018, SWANSONG returns to Theatre Works for a strictly limited season before a massive regional tour across Victoria. Meet Occi Byrne, the illegitimate child of a single mother in the Catholic west of Ireland. Shunned by church, state and family, Occi must fight his way to adulthood in a dog eat dog world. SWANSONG is the story of a lost soul from one of the masters of Irish drama.
“Swansong is responsible for one of my favourite performances of 2018. Andre de Vanny is absolutely astonishing in this violent, tragic and hauntingly tender story of a young man fighting his way into adulthood.” MYRON MY, MY MELBOURNE ARTS
BEST ACTOR United Solo Festival
NEW YORK
Performed by ANDRE DE VANNY Directed by GREG CARROL Photo By ROBERT CATTO Victorian Regional Tour Locations TRARALGON CITY OF CASEY BUNJIL PLACE BURRINJA CULTURAL CENTRE KYNETON TOWN HALL COHUNA ANGLICAN CHURCH KINGSTON ARTS CENTRE POTATO SHED GEELONG WEST GIPPSLAND ARTS CENTRE HEYFIELD WAR MEMORIAL HALL FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE MOUNT BEAUTY COMMUNITY CENTRE
MAY 22 - Jun 02
THE THREE GRACES BY LAURA LETHLEAN PRESENTED BY THE ANCHOR and Theatre Works Carved straight from the epic traditions of Greek theatre, The Three Graces is drama on a grand scale. The Three Graces have a lot to say. They are a legacy from a different time; an artistic symbol of what humans have chosen to preserve, what they have valued in the past and what they think should endure into the future. This play is set at a tipping point, in a world of shifting morals. THE THREE GRACES will speak to a whole generation who are told they are the most liberated in history, yet feel paralysed by the expectation to ‘have it all’.
“The Anchor Theatre Company has provided new and insightful theatrical challenges that are dramatically absorbing and daring in style and technique” FLORA GEORGIOU, STAGE WHISPERS
Written by LAURA LETHLEAN Directed by KATIE CAWTHORNE Designer TYLER RAY HAWKINS Stage Manager LAURA BARNES Performed By MADDIE NUNN CANDICE MILES ANNA RODWAY Photo by LAURA LETHLEAN MICHAEL SHANKS
JUN 06 - 15
DRIVE BY rebecca meston PRESENTED BY rebecca meston and Theatre Works DRIVE is an exploration of fallen, deviant women set against long stretches of open road. It is inspired by the true story of former NASA astronaut Lisa Nowak, who in 2007, got into her car and drove non-stop 14-hours from Houston to Orlando to confront her ex-lover’s lover. Disguised in a dark wig, glasses and trench coat, she had in her car a knife, mallet, BB gun, duct tape, rope, photos of women in bondage – and allegedly wore an adult nappy so she didn’t have to stop. This is an urgent 14 hour journey warped to light-speed.
“Drive asks us to consider not only the brilliant women amongst us, but also the ordinary woman, the every day worker,the dutiful friend, the woman raising children – doing it all – and possibly snapping under the pressure.”
Written and Created by REBECCA MESTON Directed by SASHA ZAHRA Dramaturged by SAFFRON BENNER Performed by LIZZY FALKLAND ASHTON MALCOLM CHRISTOPHER PITMAN Sound Design IAN MOORHEAD Set & Lighting Design MEG WILSON Lighting Design Mentor CHRISTOPHER PETRIDIS Produced by JULIANNE PIERCE Photo By SARAH WALKER Model LEAH SHELTON
REBECCA MESTON Drive has been supported through Vitalstatistix’s Incubator program, the Adelaide Festival Centre’s inSPACE program and HotHouse Theatre’s A Month in the Country.
July 09 - 21
AUTOCANNIBAL BY MITCH JONES PRESENTED BY OOZING FUTURE and Theatre Works Why do we do things that we know are bad for us? Addiction, obesity, over-consumption, corruption, pollution. In the aftermath of an apocalyptic social collapse, one person survives but he’s still hungry... Drawing together elements of circus, performance art, BDSM culture and clowning, AUTOCANNIBAL is an experimental new work of solo physical theatre that explores ideas of resource depletion, environmental exhaustion and social decay through the metaphor of the performer’s body. What will we eat when we’ve consumed it all? Ourselves.
“Jones is irreverent and enigmatic, irresistible, driving the show and stitching many of its pieces together.” XANTHE COWARD reviewing CIRCUS OZ (Brisbane, 2017)
Created and Performed by MITCH JONES Directed by MASHA TERENTIEVA Set Design MICHAEL BAXTER Sound Design MARCO CHERGIBARD Production & Stage Management EWEN PENDREIGH Photo by CHRIS BENNETT
JULY 09 - 14
JUNGLE BUNGLE BY CRAIG CHRISTIE PRESENTED BY VTM PRODUCTIONS It’s a new day and a new school for Oliver. As the day goes on, he can’t shake the feeling that nothing is as it should be. Even when his new friend Claire walks him home after school, things still don’t feel right… and suddenly they find themselves a lot further away from home than either of them could ever have imagined! Lost in a jungle, without supplies, a mobile phone or a map, and only Oliver’s crazy compass to guide them, how are they ever going to find their way home? Oh, and did we mention they’re being followed? Join Claire and Oliver on a magical musical safari for the young and young at heart!
“Jungle Bungle is a wonderful display of energy and enthusiasm, delivering a simple story with a surprisingly satisfying moral. Barrels of fun, Jungle Bungle is well worth a watch for any family.” JAMES BEAGON, BROADWAY BABY
Written by CRAIG CHRISTIE Directed by JAMES COLEY Designed by JACOB BATTISTA Performed By HEATHER CHENEY RYAN QUINN Producer and Stage Manager VITO MIDOLO Production Partner NO MATES PRODUCTIONS Photo By JODIE HUTCHINSON
aug 14 - 25
LET MEN TREMBLE BY THE DANGER ENSEMBLE PRESENTED BY THE DANGER ENSEMBLE and Theatre Works Inspired by The Scarlett Letter, a 17th century puritan romance, LET MEN TREMBLE throws colonial concepts of sin, sex and the role of women in society into a modern day crucible. Lead by award-winning Director/ Designer, Steven Mitchell Wright, the cast of thirteen take a piece of seminal American literature and transform it into cuttingly-contemporary Australian theatre. LET MEN TREMBLE is a rebellion. A revolt. A clarion call. It is a battle cry against the patriarchy, the church and theatre itself. It is a liturgical slut drop dripping with song, dance and theatrical madness. Get whet.
“The Danger Ensemble’s visual and performatively charged works never fail to provoke and disturb” REALTIME
Director and Designer STEVEN MITCHELL WRIGHT Lighting Design BEN HUGHES Performed By CHRIS BECKY JANE CAMERON DANNY CARROLL SARAH CLARKE EIDANN GLOVER NICOLE HARVEY ALEXANDRA HINES JACK HUTCHISON INDIGO KEANE CIENDA MCNAMARA SHAMITA SIVA LEO THOMPSON LOUISE WOODWARD Photo by MORGAN ROBERTS Graphic Design by SEAN DOWLING
AUG 28 - Sep 08
THE OTHER PLACE BY CHRISTOPHER BRYANT PRESENTED BY BEFORE SHOT and Theatre Works Carlton, 1967. Schoolteacher Betty Burstall begins sketching plans for what will eventually become La Mama Theatre: the pre-eminent independent home of new, experimental and previously unseen Australian work. Stratford-upon-Avon, 1975. Politically charged director Buzz Goodbody – founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Other Place, a theatre of new, experimental and previously unseen theatre – is about to begin rehearsing her production of Hamlet. A world premiere by award-winning playwright Christopher Bryant, The Other Place is a genre-defying work performed by an all-female-identifying cast continuing the legacy of kicking against the pricks.
“I wonder if she felt she saw the reality… that it’s all a play within a play.”
Written by CHRISTOPHER BRYANT Directed by JESSICA DICK Produced by JOSHUA ALLEN Set Designer ELLA BUTLER Photo By SARAH WALKER
sep 11 - 22
BATMANIA PRESENTED BY THE VERY GOOD LOOKING INITIATIVE and Theatre Works Visit Batmania - Melbourne’s most popular holiday destination! Take your seat aboard the Batmania Tour Bus. Enjoy the sights on a fully guided journey through the dark heart of Australian history, culture and politics. Batmania is a surreal, twisted, horror comedy where tourists will be confronted with all that this great, southern land has to offer. Ride a kangaroo! Get a photo with your favourite white colonial, male hetero! Buy an Australian flag from our gift shop! Or simply kick back and enjoy some of the freshest produce the Batmanian Tuckshop has to offer, including a selection of fresh Murray Cod, Calippos and fine wines organically sourced from the Coal Regions of Adani.
“I can’t think of any other company or individual in Melbourne that is doing this style of comedy and theatre as well as this. ” MYRON MY, MY MELBOURNE ARTS
Concept by ELLIOTT GEE Created and Performed by ELLIOTT GEE HONOR WOLFF PATRICK DURNAN SILVA and AN ENSEMBLE OF VERY GOOD LOOKING COLLABORATORS Image Design by SEB GODFREY OPEN SEASON
Sep 25 - Oct 06
MAD AS A CUTE SNAKE BY Amelia Evans and dan giovannoni PRESENTED BY THEATRE WORKS Join Cardigan Coriander-Turner on an epic adventure from suburban Melbourne to the Daintree Rainforest as she tries to save the family’s pet snake Trix from certain tragedy. Featuring backyard acrobatics, original songs and a host of colourful characters, MAD AS A CUTE SNAKE is a riotous and joyful theatrical rollercoaster about having the courage to be yourself – whatever that may be!
“Cut Snake is an absolutely gorgeous production - the cast members are outstanding. An evening of perfect, pure joy.” THE AGE on CUT SNAKE (Theatre Works 2015)
Written and Directed by AMELIA EVANS AND DAN GIOVANNONI Composition & Sound Design by TOM HOGAN Performed By JULIA BILLINGTON CATHERINE DAVIES MARCUS MCKENZIE CHARLES PURCELL
PLAY IT FORWARD
HIP-HOP FESTIVAL JULY 26 & 27
Theatre Works’ St Kilda Hip-Hop festival is an open invitation for young people to try something new or develop existing skills alongside professional artists over one incredible weekend. Try your hand at Breakdancing, Dance, Scratch Recording & Vinyl DJing, Song & Rap Composition, Spoken Word & Poetry, Music Production, Arts Management, Marketing & Sales and Stage Management - all culminating in a performance showcase of work created over the weekend. Watch this space for more details!
This project has been supported by the City of Port Phillip Cultural Development Fund
FRINGE FEST
MELB FRINGE HUB SEPT 12 - 29
This September, explore the Southside of Melbourne Fringe Festival as we celebrate the diverse, the queer, the strange and the unexpected as we host double and triple-billed events every night across the festival. With an open call-out coming soon for all artists and performance companies to apply for our Fringe Hub, there has never been a better time to think about getting involved with Theatre Works.
FUNDRAISER
ABUNDANCE 2019 AUGUST 02
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT AND GOURMET FOOD ALL IN SUPPORT OF THEATRE WORKS Featuring a vast array of performances by musical sensations, comedians, theatre makers and more, ABUNDANCE is a joyous celebration of independent artists and the perfect time to make a difference by giving back to the industry. The night will also include a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting Theatre Works in delivering the 2019 season!
TICKETS | $130 CATERING INCLUDED IN TICKET PRICE Drinks at bar prices BOOK NOW at THEATREWORKS.ORG.AU
DEVELOPMENT
SHE IS VIGILANTE FEB - Nov 2019
A NEW WRITING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BY KRYSTALLA PEARCE AND BRIDGET BALODIS VIGILANTES (L to R): Chanella Macri, Ivana Brehas, Lauren Anderson, Meegan May, Roshelle Fong, Maja Amanita In February 2019, Bridget Balodis and Krystalla Pearce put a call out for women writers to develop a series of short works to be presented at Theatre Works in late 2019. The works all centre on the topic of women vigilantes: Women who take the law into their own hands, fight for justice, and do bad things because they have to. The six new writers come from a range of disciplines and their works cover a wide variety of stories and performance styles - from superheroes to poetic vignettes to off-thewall infomercials – we can’t wait for you to see them in action.
TICKETS
TICKET PRICES TICKET TYPE Adult Concession* Student/Under 30s Family Show Adult Family Show Concession Student Rush**
$ 45 37 30 35 25 15
All tickets incur a $2.50 booking fee (*) Seniors, pensioners, MEAA members (**) Subject to availability. 30 minutes before performance. Must have valid secondary or tertiary student card
HOW TO BOOK Book online at theatreworks.org.au or contact our Box Office line (03) 9534 3388 from 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday. You should receive an email confirmation of your tickets immediately after your order.
ACCESSIBILITY Theatre Works offers Auslan interpreted and relaxed performances. See website for dates or discuss with our box office staff upon booking. Theatre Works seating allows for wheelchair access and the use of mobility aids. Please discuss your requirements with our box office staff at the time of booking.
SCHOOL BOOKINGS School booking forms for each family-friendly performance are available to download from our website. To organise post-show Q&As and Education Resources please contact admin@theatreworks.org.au
SAVINGS
BECAUSE FRIENDS SAVE UPWARDS OF $45 and get 25% off at the Theatre Works Bar by becoming a Friend of theatre works
BUY tickets to 5 or more shows in one transaction and get 20% off By purchasing tickets to five or more shows in one transaction, not only will you save money on your journey through the next chapters of the Theatre Works story, but you will also be playing a crucial part in supporting our amazing artists. To say thank you, after you have booked we will send you a personalised letter and a black Theatre Works loyalty card that will save you 25% at the Theatre Works bar for the rest of 2019. Book now at theatreworks.org.au
YOUR VISIT
GETTING HERE Theatre Works is easily accessed by public transport. Tram and bus services provide regular stops and pick-ups within the Fitzroy and Acland Street shopping precincts, both just a short walk from Theatre Works. TRAM ROUTES: ROUTE 12 ROUTE 16 ROUTE 96
BUS ROUTES: ROUTE 600 ROUTE 623 ROUTE 246
Parking is at a premium in St Kilda. We recommend arriving early and leaving yourself plenty of time to park. Free parking out the front of the building is extremely limited and street parking in the surrounding area is subject to signage. Alternatively, you could use the paid car parks located on Irwell and Belford Streets off Acland Street. Both are a short walk away from our home at 14 Acland Street.
OPENING HOURS The Theatre Works Box Office and Bar is open 45 minutes prior to the scheduled show start time. Come in, collect your tickets, have a drink and chat with our friendly box office crew. Due to the intimate nature of the theatre space most shows have a strict no latecomer policy and ticket holders will not be admitted into the theatre after the performance has commenced. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded due to late arrival. We recommend that you arrive at the theatre at least 15 minutes prior to the performance.
2019 is the year to be inspired. To discover, create and fall in love with theatre all over again. This year’s program is filled with silenced voices and hidden stories. It is extraordinarily diverse. We’re supporting over 300 artists in wildly different productions and creative developments this year. But we cannot do it without you. Your support plays a critical role in our ability to thrive. By donating to Theatre Works you are investing in innovation and uncompromised artistic exploration. Please join us in supporting the future of Australian Theatre.
AMBASSADORS ($5000+) Ros Willett Michael Nossal & Jo Porter CHAMPIONS ($2500 - $4999) Tom Buchan Dianne Toulson GUARDIANS ($1000 - $2499) Rosemary Forbes & Ian Hocking Meg Upton Lorraine Chisholm Rosemary Walls Leanne Webb Loraine Little Alison Richards
ADVOCATES ($500 - $999) Julie Landvogt SUPPORTERS ($100 - $499) Fiona Sweet Paul Newcombe Christopher Chaundy Nicole Beyer Karen Cosson Kaylene O’Neill Hannie Rayson Alexandra Deacon Lucinda Burgess Roslyn Varley Kirsty Hillhouse Michael Ruffles Nicholas Opolski Peter Watson Turi Hollis
Petrina Dorrington Margaret Pagone Susan Strano Chris Mier Wendy Lasica Vivienne Halat Richard Watts Jaems Grant Stephen Wise Rinske Ginsberg David Rooney Adam Gardner Jacqueline Robinson David Balding Simon Abrahams Steven McIntosh Rhyll Dorrington
GOVERNMENT SPONSORS
TICKETING PARTNER
CORPORATE SPONSOR
CATERING PARTNER
MARKETING PARTNER
accomodation PARTNER
distribution PARTNER
WINE PARTNER
BEER PARTNER
theatre works 14 Acland Street St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia [PO Box 1205 St Kilda South 3182] Bookings: (03) 9534 3388 Office: (03) 9534 4879
theatreworks.org.au / Theatreworksstkilda
@Theatreworksstkilda
@theatre_works