MTC Season 2014 Brochure by Melbourne Theatre Company

Season 2014

Season 2014 Presented by the University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne is proud of its close association with Melbourne Theatre Company. As a university serving Melbourne, Victorian and international communities through education, research and engagement, it seeks to make a rich contribution to the cultural life of the nation. Melbourne Theatre Company makes such a contribution with distinction. Since its foundation over sixty years ago, it has provided audiences, writers and performers with unique opportunities for reflection and conversation, sustaining the great tradition of major theatre companies engaging cities and giving life meaning. The University is proud of its long-standing association with MTC, and its 2014 Season.

Melbourne Theatre Company is a department of the University of Melbourne

Contents 2

Welcome to Season 2014

Mainstage Productions 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

Private Lives by Noël Coward Cock by Mike Bartlett Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen, adaptation by Gale Edwards The Speechmaker by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet The Effect by Lucy Prebble The Sublime by Brendan Cowell Once by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová I’ll Eat You Last by John Logan Pennsylvania Avenue by Joanna Murray-Smith

Add-ons 28 30

Complexity of Belonging a project by Falk Richter and Anouk van Dijk Big Bad Wolf by Matthew Whittet

Open Door 32 34 36 38 39

NEON Festival of Independent Theatre Cybec Electric play readings Young audiences Artist access Sydney Dance Company

Additional Information 40 42 43 44 50 53 54 56

Subscription packages at a glance Subscription prices Plan your visit Performance diary Booking information How you can support MTC Subscriber information Thank you

mtc.com.au

WELCOME Hello and welcome to another wonderful year of theatre at Melbourne’s home of live storytelling. Our theme for 2014, Illuminate, represents our vision to light up Melbourne with a dynamic and vibrant theatre scene like never before. We will be projecting stories old and new onto our stages, while bringing you a range of exceptional new activities. The 2014 Season builds on some of the exciting firsts from 2013 and adds even more. We further expand our offering with the new Cybec Electric, a series of five thrilling semi-staged play readings and we have added extra independent theatre activities for NEON 2014. We also present our first ever choreographic theatre production with Chunky Move and Melbourne Festival (Complexity of Belonging); our first project with the legendary Working Dog team of Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch making their playwriting debut (The Speechmaker);

our first import of a Broadway musical production featuring an all-Australian cast (Once), and our first collaboration with Missy Higgins making her theatre composition debut (Cock). You’ll find plenty of other firsts as well, but most importantly we hope you’ll discover a suite of theatre productions, events and activities that will provoke, entertain, challenge and delight you. Our aim is to make these experiences as accessible as possible. To that end, in this subscription season we offer you a variety of options to ensure your year of theatre-going is affordable, flexible and rewarding. Just as it has been for millennia past, and will continue to be for millennia to come, the art of live storytelling is a vital part of our culture and our community. With Executive Director Virginia Lovett and the entire MTC team, we hope you enjoy the new season and can’t wait to see you in 2014! Brett Sheehy AO MTC Artistic Director

Illuminate 2014

Mainstage Productions

Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Musical

25 January – 8 March Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

‘Noël Coward’s finest comedy.’

Cast includes Lucy Durack, Leon Ford, Julie Forsyth, John Leary

Lucy Durack (Legally Blonde)

The Independent

‘Eternally chic, eternally funny.’ The New York Times

‘Miraculously fresh and remarkably frank.’

Director Sam Strong Set & Costume Designer Tracy Grant Lord Lighting Designer Paul Jackson Composer Mathew Frank

The Telegraph

Noël Coward’s

PRIVATE LIVES We kick off the year with Noël Coward’s best-known comedy – as effervescent as freshly poured champagne on a hot summer’s night. Elyot and Sybil are honeymooning in France and life couldn’t be more perfect. In the adjoining hotel room Amanda and Victor are delighting in their own postnuptial bliss. The fact that Elyot and Amanda were once married to each other isn’t such a big deal. That is, until the two couples meet and honeymoon rapture comes to a grinding halt.

Pictured: Leon Ford, Lucy Durack

Coward’s plot-perfect marital farce is sparklingly witty and wickedly vicious. MTC Associate Artistic Director Sam Strong’s daring new production, featuring musical theatre star Lucy Durack together with Leon Ford, Julie Forsyth and John Leary promises to be a highlight of 2014.

Mainstage Productions

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Mainstage Productions

Australian Premiere

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‘Brilliant and blackly hilarious.’ The Independent

‘One of the most distinguished pieces of theatre to hit the London stage in the past year.’ The Observer

‘The perfect date show: bring him and her.’

7 February – 22 March Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Cast includes Tom Conroy, Angus Grant Director Leticia Cáceres Set & Costume Designer Marg Horwell Lighting Designer Rachel Burke Composer Missy Higgins

Time Out New York

COCK

by Mike Bartlett Earning rave reviews from its New York and London seasons, Olivier Award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett’s razor-sharp play dissects one man’s emotional indecision in our commitmentphobic age. John is dissatisfied with his relationship and wants out. Or maybe he just wants time out, a break from his needy boyfriend for a few weeks. Or maybe months. Actually, the whole problem is John doesn’t know what he wants.

Pictured: Tom Conroy

But while he’s thinking things through, he meets a girl, and is faced with a whole new world of possibilities and complications. Tom Conroy and Angus Grant go head-to-head in this cheekily titled contemporary comedy of manners. For its exclusive Australian premiere, this production is set to original music by Missy Higgins and will be directed by MTC Associate Director Leticia Cáceres.

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‘A wonderful and wonder-filled story.’ Time Out Sydney

‘Nevin is superb.’ The Daily Telegraph

‘A triumph for all.’ The Australian

‘One of the most affecting works of theatre seen so far this year.’

Mainstage Productions

17 March – 26 April Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Cast includes Charlie Garber, Megan Holloway, Kris McQuade, Robyn Nevin Director Simon Stone Set & Costume Designer Dale Ferguson Lighting Designer Damien Cooper Composer Stefan Gregory

Sydney Morning Herald

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH by Lally Katz

A smash hit with Sydney audiences and critics, Neighbourhood Watch is a glorious Melbourne tale written especially for the inimitable Robyn Nevin. Ana lives alone with her dog in Kew and it’s hard to say who is snappier. At eighty years of age, this widowed Hungarian émigré has no time for niceties. She does have time, though, for her young neighbour Catherine. Can their unlikely bond bear the weight of the past, the creeping inevitability

Pictured: Robyn Nevin

of death, and a trip to the mall to see Mamma Mia? Set in present-day Melbourne, Neighbourhood Watch reaches out to other times and other places with a warm heart and a charming sense of adventure. Director Simon Stone reunites the acclaimed Belvoir creative team and many of the cast, including co-stars Charlie Garber, Megan Holloway and Kris McQuade.

A Belvoir production

Mainstage Productions

Illuminate 2014

‘Ibsen’s great enduring play.’ The Guardian

‘Still capable of shocking today.’ The Telegraph

‘There are few Australian actors more versatile than Philip Quast.’ Herald Sun

Mainstage Productions

17 May – 21 June Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Cast includes Pip Edwards, Richard Piper, Philip Quast Director Gale Edwards Set & Costume Designer Shaun Gurton

‘Edwards is one of our leading and most acclaimed international directors.’ ABC

GHOSTS by Henrik Ibsen

adaptation by Gale Edwards Internationally renowned director Gale Edwards returns to MTC to direct Ibsen’s classic, starring Philip Quast alongside Pip Edwards and Richard Piper. Pastor Manders has come to Mrs Alving’s home to discuss the opening of an orphanage in her late husband’s name, permanently honouring his goodness and generosity. For Mrs Alving, however, the dedication will be the final great lie in a marriage filled with lies. When she tells the Pastor the truth about her husband’s

Pictured: Philip Quast

secret indiscretions, he begins to see their world for what it really is. But can the ghosts of the past be exorcised so swiftly? More than a hundred years since it alarmed censors, appalled critics and thrilled audiences, Ibsen’s masterwork remains sensational and electric. This unflinching critique of marriage and social convention is as acutely relevant today as ever before.

Mainstage Productions

Illuminate 2014

Mainstage Productions

World Premiere ‘The Working Dog team have created a gallery of national assets.’ The Age

‘They have a lifeline to the nation’s sense of humour.’ Sydney Morning Herald

Illuminate 2014

31 May – 5 July Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse Cast includes Jane Harber, David James, Toby Truslove Director Sam Strong Lighting Designer Paul Jackson Composer & Sound Designer Russell Goldsmith

‘Politics and laughter have been happy bedfellows since the days of Ben Franklin.’ Huffington Post

THE SPEECHMAKER by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch From Working Dog, the iconic team behind classic Australian films such as The Castle and The Dish, as well as TV series Frontline and The Hollowmen, comes a hilarious political satire about global power and the fumbling hands that hold it. Air Force One is London-bound for a surprise Christmas meeting between the US President and the British PM. It will be a diplomatic coup, not to mention one hell of a media opportunity – a no-risk vote-winner for the price of a little jet fuel, and the chance for the Leader of the Free World to give the speech of a lifetime.

Yet with the seatbelt signs barely switched off, what appears to be a major international crisis begins to unfold. As the stakes rise and the clock ticks, the President and his advisors are forced to make some uncomfortable decisions. Boasting a stellar ensemble cast featuring Jane Harber, David James and Toby Truslove, The Speechmaker promises to be an exhilarating stage debut from one of this country’s most successful creative groups.

Pictured: David James, Toby Truslove, Jane Harber

Illuminate 2014

Mainstage Productions

Pulitzer Prize for Drama

5 July – 9 August Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

‘Mamet’s greatest play.’ The Telegraph

‘Who needs caffeine when you’ve got Glengarry Glen Ross?’ The New York Times

‘Mamet’s study of competitive capitalism has scarcely dated in our frenziedly consumerist society.’

Cast includes Alex Dimitriades Director Alkinos Tsilimidos Set Designer Shaun Gurton Costume Designer Jill Johanson Composer & Sound Designer Tristan Meredith

The Guardian

GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS A play by

David Mamet This undisputed modern masterpiece from David Mamet, directed by Alkinos Tsilimidos and starring Alex Dimitriades, is a study in scams, backstabbing and ruthless ambition – just another day in real estate. Four Chicago salesmen live to close the deal: find a potential customer, sell them your vision for their future, and grab their cash. But money is tight in realty these days and there are cutbacks on the way. This month the race to sell

Pictured: Alex Dimitriades

comes with a catch: first prize is a Cadillac, second prize is steak knives, third prize is … you’re fired. The effect of this play thirty years ago was explosive: it was blunt, brutal, testosterone-fuelled, but also honest and humane. Today in our post sub-prime mortgage crisis, GFC battered world, Glengarry Glen Ross is as bold and swaggering as it ever was.

Mainstage Productions

Illuminate 2014

UK Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best New Play

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Mainstage Productions

16 August – 20 September Southbank Theatre, The Sumner

The Telegraph, The Arts Desk, London Evening Standard

Cast includes Nathaniel Dean, Zahra Newman, Sigrid Thornton

‘A love story for the neuroscience age.’

Director Leticia Cáceres Composer & Sound Designer THE SWEATS

Financial Times

‘Made me feel like cheering.’ The Independent

‘Utterly absorbing.’ The Guardian

THE EFFECT An original stage play by

Lucy Prebble Lucy Prebble’s provocative, award-winning new play has wowed London critics, raising fascinating questions about the true nature of happiness in our overly medicated age. Love can blossom in the most unexpected places, even in a drug trial clinic. It’s here that two test volunteers, unemployed drifter Tristan and psychology student Connie, dutifully take their antidepressant medication under the scientific gaze of Dr James. When Tristan and Connie fall for each other, their happiness seems the most natural thing in the world.

But what if the chemistry between them is only a side-effect of the drug they’re taking? Directed by Leticia Cáceres, The Effect stars Sigrid Thornton in her long-awaited return to the MTC stage, alongside Nathaniel Dean and Zahra Newman. This astonishing play explores our pill-popping culture, our love of being in love, and what’s real in a world where millions are living in a chemically controlled reality.

Pictured: Sigrid Thornton, Zahra Newman, Nathaniel Dean

Mainstage Productions

Illuminate 2014

World Premiere Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor

Josh McConville (The Boys)

‘Cowell writes dialogue with a remarkable balance between comedy and compassion.’

Mainstage Productions

22 August – 4 October Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Cast includes Josh McConville Director Sam Strong Composer & Sound Designer Steve Francis

Sydney Morning Herald

‘The leading light among stage writers of his generation.’ The Sun Herald

‘The rule that bonds all football players: what happens on the footy trip stays on the footy trip.’ The Monthly

THE SUBLIME by Brendan Cowell From award-winning actor and writer Brendan Cowell comes a brilliantly perceptive take on everything true Australians hold dear: mateship, family, footy and sex scandals. First there’s Dean, a former NRL star who’s switched codes and cities. Then there’s his brother Liam, the footy workhorse who tries to clean up Dean’s mess but mostly just makes things worse. And finally, there’s Amber, the teenage athlete who rests uneasily on the edge of complicity and victimhood.

Pictured: Josh McConville

The team footy trip to Thailand is where things start to get ugly, but when the brothers meet on game day it’s a showdown Melbourne will never forget. The Sublime cuts through the media-managed world of professional football to expose human foibles that exist way beyond the sporting field. Director Sam Strong combines forces with actor Josh McConville to create a fiery production for lovers of any code, and for those who’ve never set foot inside a stadium.

Mainstage Productions

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Mainstage Productions

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Australian Premiere

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1 October – 9 November Princess Theatre

8 Tony Awards including Best Musical

‘Exhilarating.’

Sunday Express, The Arts Desk, New York Daily News

The Washington Post

4 Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical

‘Downright revolutionary.’

Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album

‘The most romantic show on Broadway.’

Academy Award for Best Original Song

New York Post

New York Daily News

Writer & Director of the film, Once John Carney Director John Tiffany Movement Steven Hoggett Musical Supervisor, Orchestrations & Additional Material Martin Lowe Set & Costume Designer Bob Crowley Lighting Designer Natasha Katz Sound Designer Clive Goodwin

ONCE

The Tony Award-Winning Broadway Hit

by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová Winner of eight Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards and a Grammy, the Broadway smash hit musical Once finally reaches Australian shores after global critical acclaim. On a Dublin street, an immigrant flower seller is drawn to the music of a busker. A casual chat leads to another meeting and they begin to write songs together. Before long, the guy and the girl are sharing their lives through music: the joys and heartbreaks, the loves they had, the loves they lost. Set in an Irish pub, each actor doubles as a musician bringing Pictured: Declan Bennett and Zrinka Cvitešić (London, West End Production 2013)

the soaring score to life, including ‘Falling Slowly’, the Oscar-winning song from the original film. The combination of the show’s heartwarming story and exuberant tunes is sure to warm you through and through. This original Broadway production will feature an all-Australian cast directed by Once’s Broadway and West End Director John Tiffany. We are thrilled to work with the producers of Wicked to bring you exclusive early access to premium seats for the first five weeks of the Once season.

Presented by Barbara Broccoli, John N. Hart Jr, Patrick Milling Smith, Frederick Zollo, Brian Carmody, Michael G. Wilson, Orin Wolf and John Frost in association with New York Theatre Workshop and Melbourne Theatre Company.

Illuminate 2014

Mainstage Productions

Australian Premiere ‘Buoyant, witty writing. A delectable soufflé of a solo show.’

Illuminate 2014

31 October – 20 December Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Cast Miriam Margolyes

The New York Times

‘An unexpectedly rich tribute. 80 irresistible minutes.’ The Hollywood Reporter

‘A Broadway bonbon.’ LA Times

‘You’ll be lucky if you can beg, borrow or steal a ticket to get in.’ The Huffington Post

I’LL EAT YOU LAST

by John Logan BAFTA Award winner Miriam Margolyes stars in John Logan’s scintillating solo show – a titillating night of tinseltown tattle.

from non-English speaking Jewish migrant to a film industry powerbroker. It was a fabulous career … while it lasted.

Welcome to the glamorous home of Hollywood agent Sue Mengers. It is 1981 and if an actor isn’t represented by Sue, you haven’t heard of them. She has the entire A-list on her books: Streisand, Hackman, Dunaway, Cher – to name just a few. And more names will be dropped, secrets divulged, and dirt dished as this wickedly brash and determined ball of chutzpah reveals how she went

When you meet Sue Mengers you’ll wonder why you’ve never heard of her. Afterwards you’ll wonder if you could ever forget her. A legendary Hollywood figure played by a legendary stage performer, I’ll Eat You Last is a theatrical delight not to be missed.

Pictured: Miriam Margolyes

Original Broadway production produced by Graydon Carter, Arielle Tepper Madover, James L. Nederlander, The Shubert Organization, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, Jeffrey Finn, Ruth Hendel, Larry Magid, Jon B. Platt, Scott & Brian Zeilinger.

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World Premiere Praise for Songs for Nobodies

‘The collaboration between writer and performer is impeccable.’ Herald Sun

Mainstage Productions

8 November – 20 December Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Cast Bernadette Robinson Director Simon Phillips

‘Close your eyes and you could just as well be in Carnegie Hall.’ Crikey

‘Beautifully written, astutely directed and triumphantly performed.’ Sydney Morning Herald

PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE by Joanna Murray-Smith An astonishing collaboration of three artists in 2009 led to one of the runaway hits of the Australian theatre year, which stormed the stages of five states. That production was Songs for Nobodies by Joanna Murray-Smith, starring Bernadette Robinson and directed by Simon Phillips. Joining forces once again, this same creative team brings us Pennsylvania Avenue, a brilliant new music theatre work featuring a fresh collection of iconic

Pictured: Bernadette Robinson

singers, all of whom had a deep connection to the White House – as a performer, a friend or something more intimate. Joanna Murray-Smith, writing with Bernadette Robinson’s unique powers of transformation in mind, creates a sparkling narrative that brings show business history to life. Pennsylvania Avenue also sees the long-awaited and much sought-after return of former Artistic Director Simon Phillips to the MTC stage.

Mainstage Productions

Illuminate 2014

Open Door

OPEN

Open Door

Illuminate 2014

Open Door comprises all of MTCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities beyond the mainstage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including NEON, our pioneering Festival of Independent Theatre; our exciting new series of play readings, Cybec Electric; our two extraordinary add-on productions; and our extensive programs for schools, young people, families and artists. With the 2014 Open Door program we encourage MTC theatre-goers to extend their experience beyond the subscription season, while welcoming new audiences to a range of stimulating events and initiatives.

DOOR

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World Premiere ‘A must-see for anyone interested in the possibilities of dance theatre.’ Alison Croggon (on Trust – a Falk Richter and Anouk van Dijk production)

Add-On Production

6 October – 1 November Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Concept, Direction & Choreography Falk Richter and Anouk van Dijk Text Falk Richter

‘A ravishing mix of movement and words.’ 3sat TV network (on Trust)

Add-On: Choreographic Theatre

COMPLEXITY OF BELONGING

A project by Falk Richter and Anouk van Dijk

One of Europe’s most important theatrical voices, German writer and director Falk Richter combines forces with Chunky Move, Melbourne Theatre Company and Melbourne Festival for this international co-production. Exploring identity in the age of social media, Complexity of Belonging asks: in a globalised world how do you form your identity? And when you can be anyone, who are you really? Nationality, gender, sexuality and history crash and fragment on stage in this extraordinary theatrical presentation.

Pictured: Lauren Langlois

In a collaborative partnership forged over fifteen years and celebrated across Europe from Avignon Festival to Berlin’s Schaubühne, Chunky Move Artistic Director, Anouk van Dijk, and Falk Richter have been lauded for seamlessly integrating dancers and actors, text and movement. Complexity of Belonging is a production that will change your perceptions of contemporary theatre. Don’t miss seeing this world premiere production before it heads to Europe in early 2015.

A co-production between Melbourne Theatre Company, Chunky Move, Melbourne Festival and Brisbane Festival.

Add-On Production

This project has been assisted by the Australian Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc, Chunky Move, Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Festival and Brisbane Festival.

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‘[Windmill is] the best children’s theatre company in the country.’ The Australian

‘Full of colourful characters, totally engaging, a clever story that works on a number of levels.’ Broadway World

‘Greeted with delight from both children and adults.’ The Guardian

Add-On Production

10 – 25 January Southbank Theatre, The Lawler Cast Kate Cheel, Patrick Graham, Emma J Hawkins Director Rosemary Myers Designer Jonathon Oxlade Lighting Designer Chris Petridis Sound Designer Harry Covill Suitability Ages 5+ Duration 50 minutes

Add-On: Family Show

BIG BAD WOLF by Matthew Whittet From the acclaimed children’s theatre company that brought Melbourne Pinocchio and School Dance comes this new Australian work for audiences aged five years and over.

Put simply he has no friends. After all, he is the infamous Big Bad Wolf. Luckily one girl is brave enough to double check this wolf’s bad press, and an unlikely friendship is born.

He’s the most misunderstood character in fairytale history. No one likes him. But then he does have incredibly sharp teeth, yellow eyes and his own ideas about personal hygiene.

Featuring many of your favourite fairytale characters, this playful, table-turning tale will have you wondering why you were so scared in the first place.

Pictured: Patrick Graham

A Windmill Theatre Production

Illuminate 2014

Open Door

NEON Festival of Independent Theatre

ANGUS CERINI/DOUBLETAP ‘Cerini’s writing creates a tornado effect, whirling through different time-frames and characters in an utterly relentless way.’ The Sunday Age (on Wretch)

Formed in 2000, Angus Cerini/ Doubletap are fascinated by the beauty and power of the human spirit and explore this through the role of masculinity in our culture. Their acclaimed works have toured throughout Australia and internationally. Recent works include Detest (this thousand years I shall not weep), the Patrick White Playwright’s Award-winning Wretch and Green Room Award-winning Save for Crying. Image: Wretch by Angus Cerini/Doubletap, 2009

ANTECHAMBER PRODUCTIONS & DANIEL KEENE ‘[Keene’s] writing is so achingly beautiful.’ The Australian

Antechamber Productions was formed in 2000 to produce new work that appeals to Brian Lipson’s fascination with the provocative mysteries of theatre and science. Previous works include award-winning A Large Attendance In The Antechamber and Berggasse 19 – The Apartments of Sigmund Freud. In 2014, Brian will collaborate with Daniel Keene on a world premiere NEON production. Keene is a nationally and internationally celebrated playwright, well known in Melbourne’s independent scene for his involvement in the revolutionary Keene/Taylor Theatre Project. Image: Berggasse 19 – The Apartments of Sigmund Freud by Antechamber Productions, 2005

ARTHUR ‘Mad. Hell mad. I loved it. A joyous, poignant, and incredibly funny ride.’ The Age (on Cut Snake)

Arthur, a partnership between director Paige Rattray and producer Belinda Kelly, makes new Australian work, both text-based and devised. Arthur works with a group of key collaborators – including writers Elise Hearst, Dan Giovannoni and Amelia Evans. Past productions include Dirtyland, The Sea Project, Frankie Jones, Midlands, Return to Earth, and the widely-toured and award-winning Cut Snake. Arthur’s work has a heightened visual and physical style that explores contemporary Australian identity, myth and magic in everything from theatres, churchyards, cabaret venues, and in their mini-big top. Image: The Sea Project by Elise Hearst and Arthur, Griffin Independent, 2012

‘The most important initiative in Melbourne theatre this year.’ ABC Arts ‘Standing ovation for MTC’s NEON Festival.’ Herald Sun ‘Audiences should savour the fruit of the NEON Festival.’ The Age

Open Door

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MTC continues to celebrate Melbourne’s vibrant independent scene with five companies producing their own work with complete creative freedom. In 2014 NEON Extra will return with an expanded program of free events for theatre makers and audiences.

LITTLE ONES THEATRE

SANS HOTEL

NEON Up Late

‘Psycho Beach Party tore through Melbourne like a comedy tsunami. It’s only justice that we get to see Little Ones Theatre again.’

‘Gunn is astounding. You’ll leave buzzing not only about the production, but about human interaction on a grander scale.’

Little Ones Theatre is a queer theatre collective, formed by director Stephen Nicolazzo, which creates camp, kitsch, and erotically charged theatrical events with the potential for cultish fascination. It is bold, risqué, and always comedic, subverting classical theatre conventions through design, style, and performance. Little Ones Theatre celebrates the theatrical world and invite their audiences to sit back and join the festivities. It has produced works in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, including Salomé and the critical and commercial hit Psycho Beach Party.

Led by Nicola Gunn with collaborators Gwen HolmbergGilchrist, Pier Carthew and Michael Fikaris, Sans Hotel is an awardwinning performance, art and design collective. It uses a multi-disciplinary approach to contemporary performance about the everyday. Sans Hotel’s work aims to occupy the undefined territory between fact and fiction, representation and reality, appropriation and portraiture. Past works include award-winning productions Hello my name is and At the Sans Hotel.

Grab a drink and join us in the Southbank Theatre foyer for a series of late night informal play readings, curated and presented by Melbourne independent company MKA.

Time Out

Image: Psycho Beach Party by Little Ones Theatre, Midsumma Festival, 2013

Inpress Magazine (on Hello my name is)

Image: Hello my name is by Nicola Gunn/ Sans Hotel, Theatre Works, 2012

Tickets: All shows $25 each (or $100 for 5-play pass). NEON Up Late readings $5 each. Dates: May to August 2014 Venue: Southbank Theatre, The Lawler Full details to be announced and tickets on sale early 2014. To receive updates, sign up to our eNews at mtc.com.au, or follow us online

MKA ‘MKA are a shot of adrenalin into the heart of Melbourne’s independent theatre.’ Aussie Theatre

Established in 2010 the Melbourne based MKA: Theatre of New Writing strives to stage the best new writing for theatre. MKA has operated 13 pop-up performance venues as well as staging works in a number of existing theatres across Australia, Germany and the UK, receiving multiple awards in the process. MKA champions a perspective in writing that is new, theatrical, sometimes confronting, but always exciting. Image: The Unpoken Word Is ‘Joe’ by Zoey Dawson, MKA, 2012

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Open Door

Cybec Electric play readings MTC is working with the great playwrights of the future, with the support of the Cybec Foundation. Join us for a season of semi-staged play readings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fresh stories with great heart, fierce intelligence and uncanny perception that capture the ethical, political and social dilemmas of our time.

Curated by MTC Literary Director Chris Mead, Cybec Electric offers you five brand new semi-staged plays and five very different visions of the world: curious, restless, thoughtful, energising and electric. With scripts in hand, some of our best actors will present these plays on the Lawler stage, with the assistance of talented directors including Naomi Edwards and Leah Purcell.

The beauty of excellent writing is that it allows your imagination to design the set and costumes yourself, effortlessly transporting you from Southbank Theatre to a Sri Lankan prison, a tea plantation or Sydney in 1788. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to give you a glimpse into these brave new worlds; worlds that may well grace our mainstage over the coming years.

Open Door

The Visitors

by Jane Harrison

Seven senior law men, in fine suits, meet on the shores of a harbour to discuss the 11 large boats that have just arrived. Should they be welcomed to country or should these seven clan representatives of the Dharug nation, people from what became known as Sydney, combine to get rid of the unwelcome visitors? They take a vote – it must be unanimous – and one of them reckons the visitors mightn’t be all bad. This is a powerful, imaginative response to the beginnings of modern Australia.

A counting and cracking of heads

by S. Shakthidharan This extraordinary first play tells the story of four generations of the one family caught in the Tamil diaspora. Sid is its youngest member and he’s a wild twentysomething. After meeting Lily, a Yolngu girl, Sid gradually opens his eyes, and his heart, to the importance of his Sri Lankan family, music and politics. He begins to explore a deep, urgent connection to a society and culture that feels entirely foreign, and yet distinctly like home.

Presented in association with City of Melbourne’s Indigenous Arts Festival 2014.

In the Kingdom of 茶

by Sue Smith

A rogue nineteenth century Scottish trader steals tea plants from China to start an empire in India. His dissolute grandson tries to hold together his failing tea fiefdom as post-colonial India tears itself apart. A young Indian woman comes to grips with a contemporary India in which crops are failing, the earth is exhausted and all roads lead to working in a mega-city. Three interconnected stories of the dirty deals, incendiary power and human hands that give us our daily tea bag.

Illuminate 2014

8GB of hardcore pornography

by Kylie Trounson

Two forty-somethings meet on the internet. It goes well. They are not exactly what the other is looking for and they might be a little outside the other’s preferred age range and physical description, but well worth a smiley face. They meet in person. It goes badly. As each faces a dreadful personal crisis they turn to the other in desperation. But can a series of digital engagements add up to happily ever after? This is a play of tenderness, vicious comedy and mordant truths.

This is Kylie’s play about her dad. He invented modern IVF. His name is Alan Trounson. Alan and Kylie are some of the characters, both famous and ordinary, that grapple here with the nature of conception, the science of creation and what it feels like not to conceive at all. Kylie recalls her childhood memories – the death threats, the sign out the front of the convent that said ‘Alan Trounson is a baby murderer’ – to have us marvelling at our biology and the limitless power of our imaginations.

by Declan Greene

Tickets: All readings $10 each ($40 for 5-play pass). Under 30s $5 ($20 for a 5-play pass). Dates: February 2014 Venue: Southbank Theatre, The Lawler Dates released and tickets on sale late 2013. To receive updates, sign up to our eNews at mtc.com.au, or follow us online

The Waiting Room

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Open Door

Young audiences MTC Education provides access for thousands of young people to world-class productions, workshops and learning programs in theatre and drama. In 2014 we are delighted to announce that the Education Program has expanded to include primary school aged audiences.

MTC Ambassadors

Youth Scholarship Course

A group of Year 11 theatre-lovers will again be selected as MTC Ambassadors for 2014, embarking on a year-long extension program that will offer insight into the world of professional theatre.

In September 2014 we welcome young people from across Victoria for our annual Youth Scholarship Course, a life-changing week of intensive drama workshops. This program is offered free of charge to students who would not otherwise have access to an extra-curricular drama program due to economic, geographic or personal barriers.

Each month they will attend an MTC production, meet with artists and staff, and share their experiences of theatre with like-minded peers. Our Ambassadors are valued advocates of MTC in their school, social and online communities. Participation is free of charge. Upon completion of the program MTC Ambassadors will be invited to join our Young Grads initiative to continue to attend MTC productions with other past Ambassadors.

Theatre Buddy Those students who apply to be MTC Ambassadors, but are not selected, will have the opportunity to join a small group of young theatre-goers and attend an MTC production every second month. Hosted by a past MTC Ambassador, the program aims to create a social evening for young people who enjoy going to the theatre at an affordable price.

VCE Drama and VCE Theatre Studies We support the study of VCE Drama and VCE Theatre Studies by offering a summer school, one-day intensive solo and monologue performance workshops, pre-show talks, postshow Q&As and comprehensive teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resources.

More information All student tickets are subsidised. We also offer special access initiatives for regional and disadvantaged schools. To learn more about our Education Program, visit mtc.com.au or join the conversation on our MTC Student Hub Facebook page â&#x20AC;&#x201C; facebook.com/MTCStudentHub

How you can help If you would like to help us make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, please consider making a financial contribution to the MTC Education Program. To learn more email fundraising@mtc.com.au or call 03 8688 0959.

Open Door

Illuminate 2014

Yellow Moon

Marlin

‘It’s hard to imagine how theatre could say more about the lives of young people in our time.’

‘Daring, inventive, reliable and often brilliant.’

by David Greig

The Scotsman

A contemporary tale of Bonnie and Clyde It’s Friday night. Stag Lee is 17, bored and figuring out how to make fast money. Silent Leila is at the all-night superstore feeling stupid and ugly, wishing she lived inside the pages of a celebrity magazine. Suddenly, after a chance meeting and a shocking life-changing event, the duo find themselves heading north in search of refuge. Marooned in an unforgiving landscape, Leila and Lee are forced to hunker down and confront who they really are. Yellow Moon seamlessly flows from narration to poetry, from imagination to reality, from brutality to hope. Played in-the-round on a bare stage by four actors, Yellow Moon is a captivating journey of self-discovery with a dark heart. Directed by Leticia Cáceres Suitability: Ages 15 + 2 – 16 May Southbank Theatre, The Lawler Yellow Moon will tour to regional Victorian secondary schools from 19–30 May in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria and at Geelong Performing Arts Centre on Monday 2 June. More information at mtc.com.au/education

by Damien Millar Herald Sun

A co-production with Arena Theatre Company When a fisherman and his granddaughter head out on a fishing trip, their journey becomes a life and death adventure that neither of them had anticipated. Marlin is inspired by classic seafaring literature, and is set in the game fishing regions off Northern Queensland. Played in a sea of foam, Marlin explores the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, and asks what it really means to win. Arena Theatre Company has been making internationally acclaimed theatre for young people for almost 50 years. Arena will collaborate with MTC for the first time to premiere this new work for both schools and school holiday audiences. Directed by Christian Leavesley Suitability: Ages 8 + 25 September – 11 October Southbank Theatre, The Lawler For school bookings email schools@mtc.com.au Tickets on sale to the public on 27 November 2013

Illuminate 2014

Open Door

Artist access Working creatively with MTC MTC is committed to leading the way in creating and developing opportunities for artists from all backgrounds and at all stages of their careers. In 2014 we take the next step in cultivating connections with these inspiring artists with a broad range of initiatives.

See The best way for MTC to engage with artists is by experiencing their work. The MTC Artistic Team receives numerous invitations to attend productions and they endeavour to see as much as they can.

Meet In 2014 MTC will introduce Lightning Talks in order to expand the pool of creatives on the MTC radar. Lightning Talks are a face-to-face meeting between MTC and emerging and established directors, designers and companies currently working in Melbourne. The objective of these Lightning Talks is for us to get a taste of your work and to get excited about your upcoming projects.

Cultivate MTC is open to artists joining us in a variety of ways. We are thrilled to announce that in 2014 we will be working with Lally Katz as part of her Australian Writers’ Foundation Fellowship, while sound designer Pete Goodwin, aka THE SWEATS, will join us for a residency. Additionally, in association with Multicultural Arts Victoria, we will be collaborating with a group of theatregoers and makers from diverse backgrounds ensuring there is ongoing dialogue and engagement between their communities and MTC. We continue to expand our network of artists with these particular areas of focus: Women Directors’ Program From late 2013 MTC is implementing a program designed to redress the under-representation of women directors on Australia’s main stages. This program will provide leadership training, practical career advice and coaching across a wide range of

aspects of the theatre industry, while offering open access to all facets of the Company. This is an initiative designed for both emerging and mid-career artists. Directors MTC provides aspiring professional directors with the prospect of working closely with senior theatre directors. We provide paid opportunities for both emerging and mid-career directors to be a part of our rehearsal process. Playwrights MTC regularly commissions new works from our finest playwrights. While we do not have the resources to assess unsolicited manuscripts, we do work closely with Playwriting Australia and are constantly looking to support fine dramatic writing talent. We gratefully acknowledge The Joan and Peter Clemenger Trust for supporting the commissioning of new Australian plays since 2006. Actors Auditions for mainstage and education program plays are by invitation only, however we do conduct general auditions throughout the year where priority is given to those with professional training and substantial theatre experience. For actors currently represented, it is preferred that your agent contacts us directly to express your interest. Secondments We offer a limited number of placements for secondments and attachments, where priority is given to those in their final year of training or first years of professional practice. To learn more, or for full details on how to apply for any of our artist access initiatives visit mtc.com.au/artistaccess

Open Door

Illuminate 2014

Southbank Theatre welcomes Sydney Dance Company In 2014 Sydney Dance Company will make Southbank Theatre its Melbourne base.

Interplay

Led by Rafael Bonachela, Sydney Dance Company’s unique and inspiring repertoire of contemporary dance will now be closer than ever to MTC audiences.

In an evening of exceptional dance, Sydney Dance Company’s celebrated Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela will bring Bach’s virtuosic Partitas for solo violin to life in a world premiere work.

A triple bill Choreography Rafael Bonachela, Jacopo Godani & Gideon Orbazanek

This breathtaking new work is complemented by the ‘sleek and super sexy’ (The Australian) Raw Models by Italian choreographer Jacopo Godani, which makes its Melbourne debut on the Sumner stage. Rounding off the night’s entertainment is a new work by Melbourne’s Gideon Orbazanek. Following on from his acclaimed career as Artistic Director of Chunky Move, Gideon will create a new piece working with the dancers of Sydney Dance Company as his canvas for the first time. 30 April – 10 May Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Tickets on sale now southbanktheatre.com.au Pictured: Charmene Yap, Andrew Crawford

Illuminate 2014

Subscriptions

SUBSCRIPTION PACK MTC subscribers receive special benefits and offers not available to the general public.

Ten great reasons to subscribe in 2014 1 Cheaper tickets

Tickets are cheaper when you buy them as part of a subscription package â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the more plays you see, the greater the saving.

6 Dedicated newsletters including offers and giveaways

2 Discounts for family and friends

Subscribers can access discounted tickets for family and friends throughout the year.

3 Exclusive booking period and priority seating

For the first three months after our mainstage season is launched, only subscribers have access to tickets. So when a hit show sells out you can relax knowing you already have great seats.

7 Plan in advance

Subscribers paying by credit card can divide their total payment into four easy instalments.

5 Change dates if you need to

As a subscriber you have the option to exchange tickets to another night of the same production, a benefit not available to the general public. Conditions apply.

A subscription ensures you have your theatrical calendar planned in advance.

8 Discounted programmes

You can pre-purchase discounted programme vouchers for shows at the same time as booking a subscription.

9 Switch shows in your package

4 Pay by instalments

MTCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarterly print newsletter Scenes and monthly subscriber eNewsletter provide you with behind-the-scenes information and special subscriber-only offers.

If you change your mind about what you want to see, a variety of ticket exchange options are available. Conditions apply.

10 Regular get togethers

Most importantly of all, subscriptions are the perfect opportunity to catch up regularly with friends and family.

Subscriptions

Illuminate 2014

AGES AT A GLANCE Add to your experience Want to make your 2014 theatrical year the most memorable yet?

Come to our free production briefings

Add extra productions to your package

Prior to each show’s season, we run free production briefings where you can meet the creative team and participate in a Q&A session. Find out more on page 55.

In 2014 MTC is offering two productions you can add onto your subscription package: – A thrilling new international co-production with Chunky Move and Melbourne Festival called Complexity of Belonging. – Windmill Theatre’s hit family show Big Bad Wolf – perfect to introduce children aged five years and over to theatre.

Become a CentreStage member As a subscriber, a CentreStage Leading Membership provides you with priority processing. Get closer to the action with exclusive invites and other benefits. See page 53.

Become a Patron

Join us online Be the first to see behind-thescenes videos, get the latest casting announcements, receive offers, giveaways and more. Sign up to our eNewsletters at mtc.com.au or join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Book an Opening Night Package An Opening Night Package can make your theatre experience extra special with the opportunity to mingle with the stars and experience the excitement of a production’s opening. See page 55.

Join Melbourne’s most passionate theatre lovers and play a vital role in the artistic and cultural life of our city. See page 53.

The more you see, the more you save! Whether you love the variety of a full subscription, prefer to choose a number of plays that pique your interest or would like to add additional tickets for friends and family to your package, there’s an MTC subscription option to suit you.

11 Plays – save up to 30% 9 Plays – save up to 24% 7 Plays – save up to 21% Based on weekend A-reserve full price package tickets and current 2014 single ticket prices

As an 11-play subscriber you receive additional priority processing of your package. See page 55 for full details. If you’re under 30 you can enjoy a subscription package from as little as $27 a play.

Illuminate 2014

Prices

Subscription prices 11 PLAYS

7–9 PLAYS

Includes all mainstage shows and surcharges

9-Play* standard package

8-Play* standard package

7-Play* standard package

1,124

891

792

693

Ticket Surcharges*

Additional Tickets* ††

Once▲

Penn. Ave.

+ add 25

+ add 10

FULL PRICE Opening Night ¸

N/A

WEEKEND (Fri to Sun)

750

648

576

525

+ add 25

+ add 10

WEEKNIGHT (Mon to Thurs)

706

603

536

497

+ add 25

+ add 10

PREVIEWS

629

531

472

441

+ add 25

+ add 10

MIDWEEK MATINEE (Wed)

596

513

456

427

+ add 25

+ add 10

SENIOR# / GROUP 10+ ‡ WEEKEND (Fri to Sun)

706

612

544

504

+ add 25

+ add 10

WEEKNIGHT (Mon to Thurs)

651

558

496

462

+ add 25

+ add 10

PREVIEWS

574

495

440

406

+ add 25

+ add 10

MIDWEEK MATINEE (Wed)

552

468

416

399

+ add 25

+ add 10

PENSIONER / FULL-TIME STUDENT / UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE STAFF # WEEKEND (Fri to Sun)

673

567

504

476

+ add 25

+ add 10

WEEKNIGHT (Mon to Thurs)

596

513

456

427

+ add 25

+ add 10

PREVIEWS

508

423

376

350

+ add 25

+ add 10

MIDWEEK MATINEE (Wed)

497

414

368

343

+ add 25

+ add 10

299

252

224

210

+ add 25

+ add 10

UNDER 30 # ALL PERFORMANCES

* If you would like to include the productions of Once or Pennsylvania Avenue in your 7–9 Play package simply add the following

ticket surcharge per person: $25 for Once and $10 for Pennsylvania Avenue. For additional tickets also add the same surcharge. Please note: all tickets to Once will come from MTC’s premium allocation.

Add-on productionS ADULT

SENIOR #

PENSIONER/ STUDENT #

PREVIEWS

ALL OTHER PERFORMANCES

Complexity of Belonging

Big Bad Wolf ALL PERFORMANCES

UNDER 30 #

ALL TICKETS 25

†† # ‡ Conditions apply – see pages 54 and 55 for more information.

Adults at childrens prices! All tickets, all shows $25

¸ ▲ See page 55 for more information.

Plan Your Visit

Illuminate 2014

Plan your visit Venues S ST DER FLIN

Southbank Theatre Located at 140 Southbank Boulevard, the award-winning Southbank Theatre is the home of MTC. Southbank Theatre hosts productions in the Sumner, a 500seat theatre, and in the Lawler, a 150-seat studio space.

Car parking For Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne limited street parking is available along

DODD S ST

VCA SOUTHBANK THEATRE ST NT GRA

ALEX AND RA A VE

St Kilda Road, Dodds Street, Sturt Street and Grant Street. Nearby MTC commercial car parks HQ for all theatres are marked on the maps.

Bars and dining

LIVERPOOL ST

LITTLE BOURKE ST

AY W

PRINCESS THEATRE

T RY S ENT COV

TURNBULL AL

SPRING ST

S BOURKE ST PARLIAMENT Script Bar & Bistro CAS HOUSE DOR Within Southbank Theatre, Script PARLIAMENT STATION Bar & Bistro offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and post-show supper and is open from 7am until late Monday to Friday and from two hours prior to Southbank Theatre performance times on Saturday. Book online Additional information at scriptbar.com.au, email Please see page 54 for information bookings@scriptbar.com.au or about accessibility. call 03 8688 0880. For further information, or to Southbank Theatre foyer bars learn more about MTC shows and Opening one hour prior to Southbank Theatre, visit mtc.com.au performances, our foyer bars are or join the conversation online. ideal for a drink or quick bite before the show or at interval. The bars showcase a variety of local wines and beers and a selection of Victorian food and confectionery. MEYERS PL

Tram For routes travelling along St Kilda Road (numbers 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72), you can alight at the Arts Centre stop and walk to Southbank Theatre or Arts Centre Melbourne. Route 1 to South Melbourne Beach travels down Southbank Boulevard and stops right outside Southbank Theatre. For Princess Theatre, the closest stop is number 9 (Spring Street/Bourke Street), which is on the 86, 95 and 96 tram routes.

PO W ER

S NG KI

Train Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne are within a ten-minute walk from Flinders Street Station. Princess Theatre is a short walk from Parliament Station.

S SO NGV OUT HBBAANN KKBBLLV VDD

McILWRAITH PL

Getting to the theatre

ARTS CENTRE D MELBOURNE YR T I C

STUR T

Princess Theatre The iconic Princess Theatre is located at 163 Spring Street â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a short walk from Parliament Station. In 2014 this 1,470seat theatre will host the Australian premiere production of Once.

YARRA RIVER

RD ILDA ST K

Arts Centre Melbourne Close by at 100 St Kilda Road, Arts Centre Melbourne contains the 884-seat Playhouse, and the 376-seat Fairfax Studio.

FEDERATION SQUARE

STATION

SPRING ST NICH OLS ON ST

In 2014 Melbourne Theatre Company will perform in three venues.

Illuminate 2014

Performance Diary

Performance diary Noël Coward’s

Private Lives 25 January – 8 March Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Production briefing: Monday 20 January, 6pm Elyot and Sybil are honeymooning in France. In the adjoining hotel room Amanda and Victor are delighting in their own postnuptial bliss. The fact that Elyot and Amanda were once married to each other isn’t such a big deal … until by chance, the two couples meet. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 25 Jan—8:00pmP

27 Jan—8:00pmP

28 Jan—8:00pmP

29 Jan—8:00pmP

30 Jan—8:00pmO

31 Jan—8:00pm

01 Feb—4:00pm, 8:30pm

03 Feb—6:30pmF

04 Feb—6:30pm

05 Feb—1:00pm, 8:00pm

06 Feb—8:00pm

07 Feb—8:00pm

08 Feb—4:00pm, 8:30pm

10 Feb—6:30pm

11 Feb—6:30pm

12 Feb—1:00pm, 8:00pm

13 Feb—8:00pm

14 Feb—8:00pm

15 Feb—4:00pm, 8:30pm

17 Feb—6:30pm

18 Feb—6:30pm

19 Feb—1:00pm, 8:00pm

20 Feb—8:00pm

21 Feb—8:00pm

22 Feb—4:00pmC, 8:30pm

24 Feb—6:30pm

25 Feb—6:30pmA

26 Feb—1:00pm, 8:00pm

27 Feb—8:00pm

28 Feb—8:00pm

01 Mar—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

03 Mar—6:30pm

04 Mar—6:30pm

05 Mar—1:00pmE, 8:00pm

06 Mar—8:00pm

07 Mar—8:00pm

08 Mar—4:00pm, 8:30pm

Cock

by Mike Bartlett 7 February – 22 March Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Production briefing: Monday 03 February, 6pm John is dissatisfied with his relationship and wants a break from his needy boyfriend. Actually, John doesn’t really know what he wants. But while he’s thinking things through, he meets a girl, and is faced with a whole new world of possibilities and complications. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

07 Feb—8:00pmP

08 Feb—8:00pmP

10 Feb—8:00pmP

11 Feb—8:00pmP

12 Feb—8:00pmP

13 Feb—8:00pmO

14 Feb—8:00pm

15 Feb—4:00pm, 8:30pm

17 Feb—6:30pmF

18 Feb—6:30pm

19 Feb—1:00pm, 8:00pm

20 Feb—8:00pm

21 Feb—8:00pm

22 Feb—4:00pm, 8:30pm

24 Feb—6:30pm

25 Feb—6:30pm

26 Feb—1:00pm, 8:00pm

27 Feb—8:00pm

28 Feb—8:00pm

01 Mar—4:00pm, 8:30pm

03 Mar—6:30pm

04 Mar—6:30pmA

05 Mar—1:00pm, 8:00pm

06 Mar—8:00pm

07 Mar—8:00pm

08 Mar—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

10 Mar—6:30pm

11 Mar—6:30pm

12 Mar—1:00pm, 8:00pm

13 Mar—8:00pm

14 Mar—8:00pm

15 Mar—4:00pmC, 8:30pm

17 Mar—6:30pm

18 Mar—6:30pm

19 Mar—1:00pm, 8:00pm

20 Mar—8:00pm

21 Mar—8:00pm

22 Mar—4:00pm, 8:30pm

A AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE C CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE E EDUCATION PERFORMANCE F FORUM NIGHT O OPENING NIGHT P PREVIEW T TACTILE TOUR

Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz

17 March – 26 April Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Ana lives alone with her dog in Kew and it’s hard to say who is snappier. At eighty years of age, this widowed Hungarian émigré has no time for niceties. She does have time, though, for her young neighbour Catherine, with whom she has formed an unlikely bond. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

17 Mar—8:00pmP

18 Mar—8:00pmP

19 Mar—8:00pmP

20 Mar—8:00pmO

21 Mar—8:00pm

22 Mar—4:00pm, 8:30pm

24 Mar—6:30pmF

25 Mar—6:30pm

26 Mar—1:00pm, 8:00pm

27 Mar—8:00pm

28 Mar—8:00pm

29 Mar—4:00pm, 8:30pm

31 Mar—6:30pm

01 Apr—6:30pm

02 Apr—1:00pmE, 8:00pm

03 Apr—8:00pm

04 Apr—8:00pm

05 Apr—4:00pm, 8:30pm

07 Apr—6:30pm

08 Apr—6:30pmA

09 Apr—1:00pm, 8:00pm

10 Apr—8:00pm

11 Apr—8:00pm

12 Apr—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

14 Apr—6:30pm

15 Apr—6:30pm

16 Apr—1:00pm, 8:00pm

17 Apr—8:00pm

18 Apr—No perf

19 Apr—No perf

21 Apr—No perf

22 Apr—6:30pm

23 Apr—1:00pm, 8:00pm

24 Apr—8:00pm

25 Apr—8:00pm

26 Apr—4:00pmC, 8:30pm

Ghosts

by Henrik Ibsen adaptation by Gale Edwards 17 May – 21 June Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Production briefing: Monday 12 May, 6pm Pastor Manders has come to Mrs Alving’s home to discuss the opening of an orphanage in her late husband’s name. But when the Pastor discovers the truth about Mrs Alving’s marriage, he begins to see their world for what it really is. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 17 May—8:00pmP

19 May—8:00pmP

20 May—8:00pmP

21 May—8:00pmP

22 May—8:00pmO

23 May—8:00pm

24 May—4:00pm, 8:30pm

26 May—6:30pmF

27 May—6:30pm

28 May—1:00pm, 8:00pm

29 May—8:00pm

30 May—8:00pm

31 May—4:00pm, 8:30pm

02 Jun—6:30pm

03 Jun—6:30pm

04 Jun—1:00pm, 8:00pm

05 Jun—8:00pm

06 Jun—8:00pm

07 Jun—4:00pmC, 8:30pm

09 Jun—6:30pm

10 Jun—6:30pmA

11 Jun—1:00pm, 8:00pm

12 Jun—8:00pm

13 Jun—8:00pm

14 Jun—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

16 Jun—6:30pm

17 Jun—6:30pm

18 Jun—1:00pm, 8:00pm

19 Jun—8:00pm

20 Jun—8:00pm

21 Jun—4:00pm, 8:30pm

Illuminate 2014

Performance Diary

Performance diary The Speechmaker

by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch 31 May – 5 July Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse Production briefing: Monday 26 May, 6pm Air Force One is London-bound for a surprise Christmas meeting between the US President and the British PM, but with the seatbelt signs barely switched off a major international crisis begins unfolding. As the stakes rise the President and his advisors are forced to make some uncomfortable decisions. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 31 May—8:00pmP

02 Jun—8:00pmP

03 Jun—8:00pmP

04 Jun—8:00pmP

05 Jun—8:00pmO

06 Jun—8:00pm

07 Jun—4:00pm, 8:30pm

09 Jun—6:30pm

10 Jun—6:30pm

11 Jun—1:00pm, 8:00pm

12 Jun—8:00pm

13 Jun—8:00pm

14 Jun—4:00pm, 8:30pm

16 Jun—6:30pmF

17 Jun—6:30pmA

18 Jun—1:00pm, 8:00pm

19 Jun—8:00pm

20 Jun—8:00pm

21 Jun—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

23 Jun—6:30pm

24 Jun—6:30pm

25 Jun—1:00pm, 8:00pm

26 Jun—8:00pm

27 Jun—8:00pm

28 Jun—4:00pmC, 8:30pm

30 Jun—6:30pm

01 Jul—6:30pm

02 Jul—1:00pm, 8:00pm

03 Jul—8:00pm

04 Jul—8:00pm

05 Jul—4:00pm, 8:30pm

Glengarry Glen Ross A play by David Mamet

5 July – 9 August Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Production briefing: Monday 30 June, 6pm Four Chicago salesmen live to close the deal. But money is tight in realty these days and there are cutbacks on the way. This month the race to sell comes with a catch: first prize is a Cadillac, second prize is steak knives, third prize is … you’re fired. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 05 Jul—8:00pmP

07 Jul—8:00pmP

08 Jul—8:00pmP

09 Jul—8:00pmP

10 Jul—8:00pmO

11 Jul—8:00pm

12 Jul—4:00pm, 8:30pm

14 Jul—6:30pmF

15 Jul—6:30pm

16 Jul—1:00pm, 8:00pm

17 Jul—8:00pm

18 Jul—8:00pm

19 Jul—4:00pm, 8:30pm

21 Jul—6:30pm

22 Jul—6:30pm

23 Jul—1:00pm, 8:00pm

24 Jul—8:00pm

25 Jul—8:00pm

26 Jul—4:00pm, 8:30pm

28 Jul—6:30pm

29 Jul—6:30pmA

30 Jul—1:00pm, 8:00pm

31 Jul—8:00pm

01 Aug—8:00pm

02 Aug—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

04 Aug—6:30pm

05 Aug—6:30pm

06 Aug—1:00pm, 8:00pm

07 Aug—8:00pm

08 Aug—8:00pm

09 Aug—4:00pm, 8:30pm

A AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE C CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE E EDUCATION PERFORMANCE F FORUM NIGHT O OPENING NIGHT P PREVIEW T TACTILE TOUR

The Effect

An original stage play by Lucy Prebble 16 August – 20 September Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Production briefing: Monday 11 August, 6pm When unemployed drifter Tristan and psychology student Connie fall for each other on a drug trial, their happiness seems the most natural thing in the world. But what if the chemistry between them is only a side-effect of the drug they’re taking? Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 16 Aug—8:00pmP

18 Aug—8:00pmP

19 Aug—8:00pmP

20 Aug—8:00pmP

21 Aug—8:00pmO

22 Aug—8:00pm

23 Aug—4:00pm, 8:30pm

25 Aug—6:30pmF

26 Aug—6:30pm

27 Aug—1:00pm, 8:00pm

28 Aug—8:00pm

29 Aug—8:00pm

30 Aug—4:00pm, 8:30pm

01 Sep—6:30pm

02 Sep—6:30pm

03 Sep—1:00pmE, 8:00pm 04 Sep—8:00pm

05 Sep—8:00pm

06 Sep—4:00pmC , 8:30pm

08 Sep—6:30pm

09 Sep—6:30pmA

10 Sep—1:00pm, 8:00pm

11 Sep—8:00pm

12 Sep—8:00pm

13 Sep—4:00pm AT, 8:30pm

15 Sep—6:30pm

16 Sep—6:30pm

17 Sep—1:00pm, 8:00pm

18 Sep—8:00pm

19 Sep—8:00pm

20 Sep—4:00pm, 8:30pm

The Sublime

by Brendan Cowell 22 August – 4 October Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Production briefing: Monday 18 August, 6pm First there’s Dean, a former NRL star who switched codes and cities. Then there’s his brother Liam, the footy workhorse who tried to clean up Dean’s mess. And finally there’s Amber, the teenage athlete who sets in motion a chain of events that reach far beyond the footy field. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

22 Aug—8:00pmP

23 Aug—8:00pmP

25 Aug—8:00pmP

26 Aug—8:00pmP

27 Aug—8:00pmP

28 Aug—8:00pmO

29 Aug—8:00pm

30 Aug—4:00pm, 8:30pm

01 Sep—6:30pmF

02 Sep—6:30pm

03 Sep—1:00pm, 8:00pm

04 Sep—8:00pm

05 Sep—8:00pm

06 Sep—4:00pm, 8:30pm

08 Sep—6:30pm

09 Sep—6:30pm

10 Sep—1:00pm, 8:00pm

11 Sep—8:00pm

12 Sep—8:00pm

13 Sep—4:00pm, 8:30pm

15 Sep—6:30pm

16 Sep—6:30pmA

17 Sep—1:00pm, 8:00pm

18 Sep—8:00pm

19 Sep—8:00pm

20 Sep—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

22 Sep—6:30pm

23 Sep—6:30pm

24 Sep—1:00pm, 8:00pm

25 Sep—8:00pm

26 Sep—8:00pm

27 Sep—4:00pmC , 8:30pm

29 Sep—6:30pm

30 Sep—6:30pm

01 Oct—1:00pm, 8:00pm

02 Oct—8:00pm

03 Oct—8:00pm

04 Oct—4:00pm, 8:30pm

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Performance Diary

Performance diary Once

by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová 1 October – 9 November Princess Theatre On a Dublin street, an immigrant flower seller is drawn to the music of a busker. A casual chat leads to another meeting and they begin to share their lives through music: the joys and heartbreaks, the loves they had, the loves they lost. Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

01 Oct—8:00pmP

02 Oct—8:00pmP

03 Oct—8:00pmP

04 Oct—2:00pmP, 8:00pmO 05 Oct—5:00pm

07 Oct—6:30pm

08 Oct—1pm, 8:00pm

09 Oct—8:00pm

10 Oct—8:00pm

11 Oct—2:00pm, 8:00pm

12 Oct—5:00pm

14 Oct—6:30pm

15 Oct—1pm, 8:00pm

16 Oct—8:00pm

17 Oct—8:00pm

18 Oct—2:00pm, 8:00pm

19 Oct—5:00pm

21 Oct—6:30pm

22 Oct—1pm, 8:00pm

23 Oct—8:00pm

24 Oct—8:00pm

25 Oct—2:00pm, 800pm

26 Oct—5:00pm

28 Oct—6:30pm

29 Oct—1pm, 8:00pm

30 Oct—8:00pm

31 Oct—8:00pm

01 Nov—2:00pm, 8:00pm

02 Nov—5:00pm

04 Nov—No Perf

05 Nov—1pm, 8:00pm

06 Nov—8:00pm

07 Nov—8:00pm

08 Nov—2:00pm, 8:00pm

09 Nov—1:00pm, 6:00pm

I’ll Eat You Last by John Logan

31 October – 20 December Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Production briefing: Monday 27 October, 6pm Welcome to the glamorous home of Hollywood agent Sue Mengers. It is 1981 and if an actor isn’t represented by Sue, you haven’t heard of them. Names will be dropped, secrets divulged, and dirt dished in this wickedly brash one-woman show. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

31 Oct—8:00pmP

01 Nov—8:00pmP

03 Nov—8:00pmP

04 Nov—8:00pmP

05 Nov—8:00pmP

06 Nov—8:00pmO

07 Nov—8:00pm

08 Nov—4:00pm, 8:30pm

10 Nov—6:30pmF

11 Nov—6:30pm

12 Nov—1:00pm, 8:00pm

13 Nov—8:00pm

14 Nov—8:00pm

15 Nov—4:00pm, 8:30pm

17 Nov—6:30pm

18 Nov—6:30pm

19 Nov—1:00pm, 8:00pm

20 Nov—8:00pm

21 Nov—8:00pm

22 Nov—4:00pm, 8:30pm

24 Nov—6:30pm

25 Nov—6:30pmA

26 Nov—1:00pm, 8:00pm

27 Nov—8:00pm

28 Nov—8:00pm

29 Nov—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

01 Dec—6:30pm

02 Dec—6:30pm

03 Dec—1:00pm, 8:00pm

04 Dec—8:00pm

05 Dec—8:00pm

06 Dec—4:00pmC, 8:30pm

08 Dec—6:30pm

09 Dec—6:30pm

10 Dec—1:00pm, 8:00pm

11 Dec—8:00pm

12 Dec—8:00pm

13 Dec—4:00pm, 8:30pm

15 Dec—6:30pm

16 Dec—6:30pm

17 Dec—1:00pm, 8:00pm

18 Dec—8:00pm

19 Dec—8:00pm

20 Dec—4:00pm, 8:30pm

A AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE C CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE E EDUCATION PERFORMANCE F FORUM NIGHT O OPENING NIGHT P PREVIEW T TACTILE TOUR

Pennsylvania Avenue by Joanna Murray-Smith

8 November – 20 December Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Production briefing: Monday 3 November, 6pm Joanna Murray-Smith, Bernadette Robinson and Simon Phillips reunite for a follow-up to the runaway hit Songs for Nobodies, featuring a fresh collection of iconic singers who all had a relationship to the White House – as a performer, a friend or something more intimate. Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 08 Nov—8:00pmP

10 Nov—8:00pmP

11 Nov—8:00pmP

12 Nov—8:00pmP

13 Nov—8:00pmO

14 Nov—8:00pm

15 Nov—4:00pm, 8:30pm

17 Nov—6:30pmF

18 Nov—6:30pm

19 Nov—1:00pm, 8:00pm

20 Nov—8:00pm

21 Nov—8:00pm

22 Nov—4:00pm, 8:30pm

24 Nov—6:30pm

25 Nov—6:30pm

26 Nov—1:00pm, 8:00pm

27 Nov—8:00pm

28 Nov—8:00pm

29 Nov—4:00pm, 8:30pm

01 Dec—6:30pm

02 Dec—6:30pmA

03 Dec—1:00pm, 8:00pm

04 Dec—8:00pm

05 Dec—8:00pm

06 Dec—4:00pmAT, 8:30pm

08 Dec—6:30pm

09 Dec—6:30pm

10 Dec—1:00pm, 8:00pm

11 Dec—8:00pm

12 Dec—8:00pm

13 Dec—4:00pm, 8:30pm

15 Dec—6:30pm

16 Dec—6:30pm

17 Dec—1:00pm, 8:00pm

18 Dec—8:00pm

19 Dec—8:00pm

20 Dec—4:00pm, 8:30pm

Add-On Productions

Big Bad Wolf

10 January – 25 January Southbank Theatre, The Lawler

by Matthew Whittet Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

10 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

11 Jan—2:00pm, 5:00pmO

14 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

15 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

16 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

17 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

18 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

21 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

22 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

23 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

24 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

25 Jan—10:00am, 2:00pm

Complexity of Belonging

A project by Falk Richter and Anouk van Dijk

6 October – 1 November Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Production briefing: Monday 29 September, 6pm

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

06 Oct—7:00pmP

07 Oct—7:00pmP

08 Oct—8:00pmP

09 Oct—8:00pmO

10 Oct—8:00pm

11 Oct—8:30pm

13 Oct—7:00pm

14 Oct—7:00pm

15 Oct—8:00pm

16 Oct—8:00pm

17 Oct—8:00pm

18 Oct—8:30pm

20 Oct—No Perf

21 Oct—7:00pm

22 Oct—8:00pm

23 Oct—8:00pm

24 Oct—8:00pm

25 Oct— 4:00pm, 8:30pm

27 Oct—7:00pm

28 Oct—7:00pm

29 Oct—8:00pm

30 Oct—8:00pm

31 Oct—8:00pm

01 Nov—8:30pm

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Booking Information

How to book your subscription Subscribing online is now easier than ever, but if you prefer pens to pixels simply fill out a booking form and send it in.

Online Visit mtc.com.au/subscriptions and follow the ‘Subscribe Now’ buttons. Note: if you are a current subscriber, please use your existing account (or access our ‘forgotten password’ function) so we can recognise you for priority processing. If you are unsure of your login details please call 03 8688 0800.

Send in a booking form Fill out your booking form and send to: MTC Subscriptions PO Box 918 South Melbourne VIC 3205 You are also welcome to drop off your completed form at the MTC Box Office (Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank). Please note telephone, email and fax bookings cannot be accepted.

What happens next? A confirmation will be sent to the Head Booker within five working days of receipt of your completed booking form. Once your booking is processed, your tickets will be sent to the Head Booker (for more information about Head Bookers see page 54). For further information or assistance, please contact us on 03 8688 0800 during business hours or visit mtc.com.au

Dates to note 16 September 2013

Subscription package bookings open online at 9pm. Tickets go on sale for Big Bad Wolf.

24 September 2013

Exclusive booking period for renewing 2013 11–play subscribers closes (see page 55).

18 October 2013

Exclusive booking period for all other renewing subscribers closes.

28 October 2013

Processing of new subscriber bookings commences.

27 November 2013

Tickets to Marlin and Yellow Moon go on sale to the general public.

3 December 2013

Tickets for Private Lives, Cock and Neighbourhood Watch go on sale to the general public.

4 March 2014

Tickets for all remaining 2014 Season productions (excluding Once) and for Complexity of Belonging go on sale to the general public.

17 March 2014

Tickets to Once go on sale to the general public. Please note: bookings will be processed in order of receipt within allocated time periods. Patrons and Leading CentreStage Members will receive priority processing. Patrons also receive preferential seating.

MTC Online

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Extend your experience online Ever wished you could make your theatre experience last beyond the live show, or go behind the scenes of our productions before the curtain rises? You can, by joining us online.

Blog

Facebook and Twitter

Go behind the scenes and hear from directors and cast members; visit our costume, props and scenic art departments; see the latest rehearsal and production images and much more.

Receive daily updates about our productions, enter competitions and get news from the theatre world by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter. While you’re there you can share your thoughts on the shows you’ve seen and join other theatre-goers in the conversation.

Jump in at mtc.com.au/blog

eNews Our monthly email newsletter is the best way to stay up to date with everything that’s happening inside MTC. By signing up, you’ll also ensure you’re the first to know about any special offers, performances and events. Sign up at mtc.com.au/enews

Behind the scenes of The Speechmaker photoshoot with Jane Harber

Head to facebook.com/ melbournetheatrecompany or follow us on Twitter @MelbTheatreCo

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Support MTC

Everyone has a role to play Annie Youth Ambassador

Phillip Milliner

Claire MTC HQ Receptionist Anne Supporter of Education

Edwina Supporting Patron

Jonathan Board Member

Mark Southbank Theatre Manager

Pictured: Members of the MTC family in the MTC Props Workshop

Gil and Sandi Supporting Patrons

Pat CentreStage Member & Leading Patron

Great theatre is only possible with the support of our talented staff, experienced board, dedicated audiences and generous Patrons. Next time you experience an MTC production, think about some of the people behind the scenes, and the passion they bring to the roles they play. If you share that passion for theatre and are keen to ensure MTC remains the thriving company it is today then why not get more involved?

Colin (and Princess) Props maker

In our experience, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing your contribution has helped create something truly special for others to enjoy. If you are interested in learning more, take a moment to visit mtc.com.au/support

Support MTC

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How you can support MTC Become a Patron Make a Patron donation and play a vital role in the artistic and cultural life of our city. Join this influential and visionary group with a tax deductible donation of $1,000 and above. In appreciation of their support our Patrons enjoy: –– Access to the best seats in the house –– Flexible ticketing arrangements via a personalised booking service –– Special encounters with our actors and artistic teams –– Acknowledgement in MTC publications and at Southbank Theatre

Make a bequest If your love of the theatre inspires you to be part of our history, ensure future generations have the same opportunity by remembering MTC in your will. Your generosity will continue to support young artists and benefit audiences for many years to come. For more information philanthropy@mtc.com.au, phone 03 8688 0959 or visit mtc.com.au/support

Supporter Groups

Membership

Patrons donating $2,000 or more are invited to direct their gift to the area of theatre they find most fascinating and join a Supporter Group. Meet the people behind the scenes, follow their experiences and enjoy events that unite the people who help realise our creative visions.

Join our community of avid theatre-goers by becoming a CentreStage Member and enjoy a range of benefits all year. Our program is perfect for those who want to add to their subscription and get the most out of their MTC experience.

Contemporary Theatre MTC Contemporary is an adventurous group committed to innovative new work which challenges and extends theatre practice and supports independent theatre in Melbourne.

Supporting Membership

Costume and Design Costumes weave the final distinctive threads of a character. Meet the exceptionally skilled artisans in our wardrobe department and contribute to the equipment and materials that enable their finest work. Education Your gift provides students from around Victoria with subsidised theatre tickets and curriculum support. With your help we deliver imaginative programming and experiences for young people. Literary Development Help us to commission vibrant new works, develop scripts and ensure Australian stories and voices are heard on Melbourne stages. Join us to review, discuss and celebrate playwriting. Professional Development Help sustain a program which nurtures the next generation of directors, designers and theatre technicians through mentorships alongside established professionals. Share experiences and the excitement of cultivating the ‘wunderkinds’.

Individual $135 (concession $95) Joint $185* (concession $145) Benefits include: – Exclusive invitations to dress rehearsals and Members’ Lounges – Generous discounts to Wednesday matinees – Complimentary tickets to selected performances* – Opportunities to attend special events** – Members-only newsletters – Special offers and discounts from MTC partners and supporters Leading Membership Individual $280 Joint $340* Benefits include: All the advantages of Supporting Membership plus – Priority processing of subscription – Be among the first to receive your season brochure – Additional complimentary tickets to a play of your choice* For more information membership@mtc.com.au, phone 03 8688 0958 or visit mtc.com.au/support * Conditions apply. Please see page 54. ** Fees may apply.

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Subscriber information

Subscriber information An A-Z glossary of all you need to know

CentreStage Membership Join CentreStage and take advantage of a range of benefits or become a Leading Member and have your subscription fast-tracked for priority processing. Please note, joint CentreStage Memberships must have one address. Complimentary tickets cannot be used for Once, Pennsylvania Avenue, add-on productions or as part of a subscription. Email membership@mtc.com.au for more details. # Concessions MTC offers concession pricing for various groups. Concessions must be valid at the time of booking. Refunds are not available if you become eligible for a concession after you have booked. Pensioners and Seniors must provide their card number when booking. Under 30s (aged 29 and under) must include documentation indicating proof of age, such as a driver’s licence. Full-time students must attach documentation of current full-time

enrolment. University of Melbourne staff must provide a copy of their staff identification card. Proof of concession must be provided each season. †† Discounts for family and friends A night at the theatre is a great experience to share with family and friends. Subscribers who purchase a 7–11 play package may purchase additional tickets to any show in our 2014 mainstage season for family and friends at discounted prices. These special prices are only guaranteed at the time of purchasing your subscription and may change for purchases made at a later date. Exchanges If you change your mind about which productions you’d like to include within your package, there’s no need to worry – a variety of ticket exchange options are available – see page 55. Please note some terms and conditions apply so visit mtc.com.au for more information.

Forum Nights Following selected performances, you can hear the cast, creative team and director discuss the show. Please note, these evenings are heavily booked, so get in early. MTC Forum Nights are marked F in the Performance Diary. ‡ Group subscriptions With MTC subscriptions, the more the merrier! Group subscriptions are available for a minimum of 10 people booking for at least seven of the same performances and are available for mail bookings only. All tickets must be purchased at the same time to qualify for the discount. A group of 10 can include concessions at the appropriate package price alongside adults at the group price. Head Booker Organising a subscription for other people? If you’re listed first on the booking form (and on the topmost form when multiple forms are submitted together) you will

Making our performances accessible to everyone MTC is committed to making performances accessible to the widest possible audience. Audio description and tactile tours Vision Australia provides audio description for selected shows. Simply call them to book a free small receiver which you collect upon arrival at the theatre. MTC also offers tactile tours of the stage prior to certain shows. Dates are marked A (Audio Described) and T (Tactile tour) in the Performance Diary. Call Vision Australia on 03 9864 9384 for more information.

Captioning and FM hearing system MTC provides live captioning for selected productions. Dates are marked C in the Performance Diary. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you will be making use of the captioning. Hearing assistance is also available for all mainstage performances in the form of an FM Hearing Loop at Southbank Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne and Princess Theatre (stalls seats only), and a closed system Listen Pack at Southbank Theatre.

Ask theatre staff for assistance or call 03 8688 0800. Wheelchair and mobility access Wheelchair access and seating that allows more room for the use of mobility aids are available in all theatres. More information A dedicated flyer outlining all Access Services is available at mtc.com.au, at Southbank Theatre or by calling 03 8688 0900.

Subscriber information

become the point of contact for MTC in case of seating reallocation or other contingencies. Please note, the Head Booker is responsible for giving correct contact, credit card and payment information at the time of booking. All tickets will be mailed to the Head Booker. Once Together with producer the Gordon Frost Organisation, MTC is offering subscribers exclusive access to premium seats to see the hit Broadway musical Once for selected performances in the Melbourne season, as part of their MTC subscription. First release tickets are available for the final four preview performances as well as the first five weeks of the season. Please note, it will not be possible to exchange tickets into performances outside of this period (see page 48). Discounted programme vouchers are not available for this show. ▲

¸ Opening Night Packages A limited number of Opening Night packages are available each year through mail bookings. Opening Night packages require a minimum of seven Opening Night performances but can be combined with non-Opening Night performances (which will be charged at the usual subscription rate). Opening Night tickets can be exchanged, however any price difference is non-refundable. Additional tickets are not available for Opening Nights and discounts for seniors, pensioners, concessions, groups and under 30s are not applicable.

Pay by instalments Subscribers paying by credit card can divide their total payment into four easy instalments. The first is payable when you subscribe, with the remaining instalments due on

9 January, 9 April and 9 June 2014. The administration fee for this service is a one-off charge of $14 per card used. Previews Previews, marked P on the Performance Diary, are the exciting first performances leading up to Opening Night. Note that the directors may halt the performance for technical reasons. Previews are presented at a discount price to compensate for any possible production issues. Priority processing for top package subscribers Season 2013 11-play subscribers will receive exclusive priority processing until 24 September 2013 in which to renew their 11-play package for Season 2014. Season 2014 11-play subscribers will receive this benefit when renewing their 11-play package (or the largest play package on offer) for Season 2015. Production Briefings Our briefings give you the opportunity to meet with the creative team and participate in a Q&A session for a behind-thescenes insight into the production before the show’s season begins. There is no need to book, just check the Performance Diary for dates and times and turn up at the theatre. Programmes Subscribers can pre-purchase discounted programme vouchers for shows (excluding Once) at the time of booking a subscription. Refunds MTC follows the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice (see liveperformance.com.au for conditions). As such, tickets cannot be refunded after purchase except if an event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated as outlined.

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Ticket exchanges MTC subscribers enjoy the flexibility to exchange tickets. 11–play subscription tickets can be exchanged for only $1.50 per ticket. 7–9 play subscription tickets can be exchanged for only $3.50 per ticket. Additional tickets can be exchanged for only $4.40 per ticket. How to Exchange Exchanges are available from single ticket on-sale dates (see page 50) subject to availability. Exchanges can be made either in person at the MTC Box Office (Southbank Theatre), by mail to 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank 3006, or online for selected performances. Terms and conditions apply for exchanges. For full details visit mtc.com.au Ticket surcharges Due to the nature of these productions ticket surcharges apply to the musical works Once ($25) and Pennsylvania Avenue ($10). For full terms and conditions including information about content warnings, babies at performances, lost tickets and school bookings, visit mtc.com.au

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Thank You

Thank you MTC would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support

Melbourne Theatre Company is a department of the University of Melbourne.

Melbourne Theatre Company is assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the State Government of Victoria through Arts Victoria.

MTC is a member of Live Performance Australia and the Australian Major Performing Arts Group.

Details in this brochure are correct at the time of publication. MTC reserves the right to add, withdraw and substitute artists and vary the program should the need arise. MTC brand identity and brochure concept: Interbrand. Art Direction: Lydia Baic, Tom Carey. Design: Helena Turinski, Lydia Baic. Photoshoot Coordination: Sally Hitchcock, Millie Mullinar. Key brochure and mainstage photography: Sean Fennessy, Jo Duck, Tom Ross. Other photography credits: Private Lives: Getty Images. Neighbourhood Watch: WILK, Getty Images. Ghosts: Getty Images. Once: Frank Ockenfels, Corbis. Pennsylvania Avenue: Getty Images. Complexity of Belonging: Scottie Cameron. Big Bad Wolf: Shane Reid. NEON: Angus Cerini/Doubletap: Ponch Hawkes; pictured Susie Dee and Angus Cerini. Antechamber: Ponch Hawkes; pictured Brian Lipson and Pamela Rabe. Arthur: John Feely; pictured Meredith Penman, Justin Cotta, Iain Sinclair. Little Ones Theatre: Sarah Walker; pictured Paul Blenheim, Tom Dent, Caitlin Adams, Peter Paltos, Kevin Kiernan Molloy. Sans Hotel: Pier Carthew; pictured Nicola Gunn. MKA: Sarah Walker; pictured Nikki Shiels. Cybec Electric: David Paterson. Yellow Moon: Rolline Laporte (photo), Marie-Love Petit (graphic design). Marlin: Pia Johnson (photo) and 21-19 (graphic design). Sydney Dance Company: Wendell Teodoro.

Subscription enquiries PO Box 918, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone: 03 8688 0800 Email: mtcticketing@mtc.com.au General enquiries 252 Sturt Street, Southbank VIC 3006 Phone: 03 8688 0900 Email: info@mtc.com.au mtc.com.au