Devised by Alicia Benn-Lawler, Shannon Woollard and Phil Roberts. Director: Alicia Benn-Lawler. . La Mama HQ, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton. 1-12 November 2023
Daniel Defoe, who we know as the author of Robinson Crusoe and a major literary figure, in 1722 is a jobbing author trying to sell his lately published book, “A Journal of the Plague Year”. During his sales efforts, a Friend (Shannon Woollard) appears and accosts him. Defoe (Phil Roberts) is cross examined about his lose association with the truth including a change of name and the appropriation of his uncle’s story of being in London during the Black Death for his book.
By Rachel Lewindon and Willow Sizer, adapted from the book by Virginia Woolf. Presented by Antipodes Theatre Company. Directed by Margot Fenley. fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. 2 – 11 November 2023.
The story of Orlando as conceived by Virginia Woolf in her influential novel is very mystical in its exploration of gendered identity positions across history. The idea of an individual spirit remaining unaltered and undefined by gender is beautifully explored in this story. The book has been transformed into a film and various stage productions including opera. Antipodes Theatre Company now imagines this iconic tale as a musical.
By Stephen Sewell. White Box Theatre in association with bAKEHOUSE Theatre. KXT on Broadway. Oct 27 – Nov 11, 2023.
Stephen Sewell is never short of words. An important Australian playwright and screenwriter for over four decades, if in and out of fashion, his stories are epic in theme and dense with socio-political ideas and well-crafted language. The challenge for actors is to root out their character and find a human truth in the verbosity.
Presented by Castiglione Arts & Culture. Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank. Thursday 2 November 2023.
Internationally renowned tenor Juan Diego Flórez is best known for his outstanding bel canto style and French Romantic repertoire. His incredibly smooth and sweet vocals make him especially suited to these romantic and emotional arias. In his Australian recital he delights audiences with highlights of performances that have characterised his sensational career. Flórez is accompanied by award winning pianist Cécile Restier who regularly works alongside him.
By William Kentridge. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. 2-4 November, 2023
William Kentridge creates across the arts. In drawing, writing, film, performance, music and theatre he creates works that transverses cultures and generations. His work is represented in museums around the world. He has directed operas in New York, Milan, London, Lyon and Sydney. And for three days he returns to the Sydney Opera House with his cross-disciplinary work, Sibyl.
By Hisashi Inoue, translated by Roger Pulvers.Presented by Omusubi Productions, in association with Red Line Productions. Directed by Shingo Usami and David Lynch. Old Fitz Theatre, Sydney. 28 October – 11 November, 2023
Jizo is the guardian deity of Japanese children. His stone heads are everywhere in Japan and are said to have powers of protection that predate Buddist beliefs... though not much protection in Hiroshima on 6th August 1945 when a single atomic bomb extinguished the lives of 140,000 people.
By Patricia Cornelius. Bullet Heart Club. Theatre Works, St Kilda. 26 October - 11 November, 2023
Cutting-edge new play In The Club by Australian playwright Patricia Cornelius delivers a controversial and topical expose of women demanding their right to be heard against male football stars.
Presented by Piano +. Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. Wednesday 1 November 2023
Piano + is a new company carrying on the work of almost 50 years by the Sydney Piano Competition to promote a love of piano-playing through a range of education and performance activities. The Andrey Gugnin Recital is among the exciting activities they are organising to achieve their aims. Gugnin was the winner of the prestigious 2016 Sydney International Piano competition and this is just one of his many accolades. Gugnin’s Australian performances feature a wide range of composers and allow him to showcase his incredible mastery and versatility.
By Sarah Kane. Presented by Famous Last Words. Goodwood Theatre and Studios. 31 October to 10 November 2023
How do you describe your mental health to someone who can’t see it, doesn’t feel it, may not have ever been there? How do you talk to your doctor or your lover about how you don’t want to live any longer?
Adapted by Verity Laughton, from the novel by Pip Williams. Sydney Theatre Company / State Theatre Company SA. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. October 26 – December 16, 2023
This finely detailed staging of a late Victorian woman’s coming of age features big talent from Adelaide – it’s based on Pip Williams’ hit debut novel, adapted by Verity Laughton and created by the State Theatre of SA with most actors experienced there but new to the Sydney Theatre Company.
