MElBOURNE 'S hOME OF ThEATRE M E L B O U R N E T H E AT R E C O M PA N Y
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The Plays - 04 Born Yesterday - 06 John - 08 Faith Healer - 10 Three Little Words - 12 Minnie & Liraz - 14 Macbeth - 16 Noises Off - 18 Di and Viv and Rose - 20 Hay Fever - 22 The Father - 24 Vivid White Subscriber Information - 28 How to book - 29 Subscription prices - 30 MTC Club - 32 Support your MTC - 34 MTC Community - 38 Get closer to the stage - 40 Performance diary - 46 Important dates - 48 Get more from your MTC experience - 50 Subscriber and access information - 52 Thank you - 54 Our venues
Season photography Justin Ridler
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Welcome Join us for a year of thrilling theatre
Hello and welcome to MTC’s 2017 Season. In this year’s suite of productions we celebrate artists and stories from France, Britain, Ireland, the US and of course Australia, as well as Chandigarh, Delhi and Hyderabad in our world premiere education production. 2017 will also see MTC extensively touring its acclaimed production of What Rhymes with Cars and Girls and assisting the international tours of companies brought to you through our NEON Festival and NEON NEXT initiatives. In this program we are especially pleased to be welcoming Shakespeare back to our stages with Simon Phillips’ longawaited production of Macbeth and we embark on our first co-production with Queensland Theatre Company under the direction of Sam Strong, with a riotous staging of the world’s most famous 20th century farce, Noises Off. Add to that world premieres from Eddie Perfect, Joanna Murray-Smith and Lally Katz, the MTC directorial debut of Judy Davis, performances from legendary
actors Helen Morse, John Bell ao, Nancye Hayes am, Julia Blake, Alison Whyte and Colin Friels, plus modern classics from Ireland and the US, and we have a season full of thrilling theatre. As we have said before, our subscribers are our life blood and we’re delighted that in 2016 subscriptions grew by a tremendous 10% (a rarity these days within subscription arts companies). We won’t tempt fate by making predictions about 2017, but we are confident this year’s season will also attract many friends, old and new. On behalf of Chairman Terry Moran ac and our Board, Jane Hansen and our Foundation Board, Executive Director Virginia Lovett, and the entire MTC team of nearly 300 core and casual staff – warmest thanks to the people of Melbourne, Victoria and Australia who continue to embrace our work with openness, generosity and wonder. Brett Sheehy AO Artistic Director
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‘The classic Broadway comedy.’ Variety
‘Deliciously witty.’ NY Daily News
BORN Y E S T E R D AY by Garson Kanin
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Donor event Post-show cocktail party 31 January
With the war over and Europe littered with a billion tons of scrap metal, junk-yard tycoon Harry Brock settles into a swank Washington hotel suite ready to grease palms and browbeat Senators. Yet how can he win over Congress if his girlfriend, Billie, is always bringing down the tone? Enter Paul Verrall, a bleeding-heart reporter, who knows enough about Washington to be cynical. For a price, Verrall could teach Billie a few things. But does she have the capacity to learn? Does she ever! We open the season with Garson Kanin’s evergreen Broadway comedy, a screwball fable in which cold-eyed cynicism and cock-eyed optimism mix as smoothly as gin and vermouth. It’s Legally Blonde out on a spree with Mr Smith Goes to Washington. MTC Associate Director Dean Bryant has found the perfect Billie Dawn in musical comedy star Christie Whelan Browne (The Odd Couple, The Producers, The Drowsy Chaperone), who’ll bring everything she knows to a character who knows practically nothing. Joining Christie as her bookish love interest is rising star Joel Jackson (Foxtel’s Deadline Gallipoli, Seven’s Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door and the upcoming feature film Jungle with Daniel Radcliffe). Cast includes Christie Whelan Browne, Joel Jackson, Richard Piper Director Dean Bryant Set & Costume Designer Dale Ferguson Lighting Designer Matt Scott Composer & Sound Designer Mathew Frank Voice & Dialect Coach Leith McPherson
#mtcBornYesterday
B R O A D WAY C O M E DY
14 JANUARY – 25 FEBRUARY
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AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE ‘So good on so many levels that it casts a unique and brilliant light.’ The New Yorker
‘Inspiring. More than any play I’ve seen recently, John acknowledges, and even celebrates, the act of watching a play in a theatre.’ Slate
JOHN by Annie Baker
Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio
A young couple, Jenny and Elias, arrive late one evening at Mertis Graven’s bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – historic site of a terrible Civil War battle. They are trying to get over some history of their own. Each is prickly and easily feels the other’s stings. Perhaps in this comfortable home surrounded by dolls, knick-knacks and Mertis’ blind and eccentric friend Genevieve, they can find peace with each other. But the past can be a kind of haunting, where rooms are temperamental and you never know what objects are thinking. Over the past decade, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker has found poetry in extraordinary dialogue and ultra-ordinary situations. In her latest highly acclaimed play John she splashes a liberal measure of Gothic eeriness into the pot. Having introduced Melbourne audiences to Baker’s work with her ground-breaking Circle Mirror Transformation in the Lawler a few years ago, MTC is delighted for the opportunity to present this stunning new drama directed by Sarah Goodes. As Mertis, the incomparable Helen Morse (The Aunt's Story, Frozen) returns to the stage, as does MTC favourite Julia Blake (The Crucible) and Ursula Mills, making her Company debut. Cast includes Julia Blake, Ursula Mills, Helen Morse Director Sarah Goodes Set & Costume Designer Elizabeth Gadsby Composer & Sound Designer Russell Goldsmith
#mtcJohn
Contains coarse language
CONTEMPORARY DRAMA
10 FEBRUARY – 25 MARCH
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The Guardian
The Financial Times
The Telegraph
‘A major work of art. The narrative has the addictive pull of a detective yarn.’ The New York Times
FA I T H HEALER by Brian Friel Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Donor event Post-show cocktail party 13 March
From church hall to church hall, from one remote and dying village to the next, Francis Hardy, faith healer, works his magic, curing the sick and the lame, giving strength to the weak. His powers are real. Or so he says – and sometimes believes. He can tell you of nights when miracles were conjured as fast as he could place his touch. But that was long ago and his powers these days are far less reliable. More of a mystery now is why his unhappy wife Grace and manager Teddy still place such faith in him after all that’s happened. With its mythic resonance and dram of Gaelic folklore, Faith Healer is considered to be Irish playwright Brian Friel’s masterpiece. In four beautifully sculptured monologues, the characters take turns wrestling with the past, showing that memory can be as unreliable, and as contradictory, as faith. This production, directed by Judy Davis, stars Pip Miller (The Dressmaker) as the crass showman-cum-manager Teddy, Alison Whyte (Summer of the Seventeenth Doll) as the faithful yet embittered wife Grace, and Colin Friels (Skylight) as the melancholic, charismatic Francis Hardy. Cast Colin Friels, Pip Miller, Alison Whyte Director Judy Davis Set Designer Brian Thomson Costume Designer Tess Schofield Lighting Designer Verity Hampson Composer & Sound Designer Paul Charlier
#mtcFaithHealer
A Belvoir production
CLASSIC DRAMA
4 MARCH – 8 APRIL
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WORLD PREMIERE ‘One of the nation’s most popular playwrights.’ The Australian
‘Joanna Murray-Smith has a way of weaving life’s rich tapestry into a consummate collection of character pieces.’ Crikey
THREE LITTLE WORDS by Joanna Murray-Smith Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Donor event Pre and post-show dinner 4 May
Bonnie and Annie and their best friends, Tess and Curtis, have both been together for twenty years. The cosy world of coupledom has insulated them all from the challenges of a complicated world. But at an anniversary dinner Tess and Curtis casually drop a bombshell – they have decided to split up. There’s no way to predict or control the devastation that follows. Expecting your friends to stay the same even as the world changes is the sort of self-defeating folly that Joanna Murray-Smith’s sharp pen loves to skewer. In this acerbic comedy of contemporary manners, she again shows that cultural sophistication is no help when dealing with the upheavals of life. In 2016, MTC Associate Director Sarah Goodes infused Joanna MurraySmith’s previous play, Switzerland, with the chilling tingle of alpine air. The atmosphere may be warmer in Three Little Words, especially with beloved actor Catherine McClements (The Other Place) returning to the stage, but expect nothing too comfortable in the acute social observations from one of our most acclaimed playwrights. Cast includes Catherine McClements Director Sarah Goodes
#mtcThreeLittleWords
Contains coarse language
CONTEMPORARY COMEDY DRAMA
18 APRIL – 27 MAY
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WORLD PREMIERE ‘Lally Katz is one of our most prolific and lauded playwrights.’ ABC Radio National
‘Among Australian playwrights of her generation, Lally Katz probably has the most original dramatic imagination.’ The Age
MINNIE & LIRAZ by Lally Katz Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Donor event Post-show dinner 5 June
The Autumn Road Retirement Village in Caulfield has a fiercely competitive bridge club, although with time and tide doing its inevitable work, no bridge partnership lasts for long. When Minnie Cohen loses her partner in an unfortunate swimming accident, the best player in the village, Liraz Weinberg, wants them to team up. They’d be unbeatable all right, but Minnie abhors Liraz and wants something in return. She has a granddaughter and Liraz has a grandson, and both are hopelessly single. Laying all her cards on the table, Minnie is bidding hearts. After her success with Neighbourhood Watch, playwright Lally Katz returns to MTC with a characteristically oddball story of kindly Jewish grandparents and raw ambition. As riotously funny and brilliantly original as you would expect a brainchild of Lally Katz to be, Minnie & Liraz has a misfit charm that will leave you grinning. Award-winning director Anne-Louise Sarks (Medea) returns to conduct a great cast in which veterans Nancye Hayes am (Funny Girl) and Sue Jones (Other Desert Cities) mix with comedy darlings Virginia Gay (Seven's Winners and Losers) and John Leary (Private Lives). Cast includes Virginia Gay, Nancye Hayes, Sue Jones, John Leary Director Anne-Louise Sarks Lighting Designer Matt Scott
#mtcMinnieLiraz
This project is supported by the Australian Writers' Foundation, with the generous support of Kim Williams AM
CONTEMPORARY COMEDY
12 MAY – 24 JUNE
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‘The shortest, sharpest and most stormily violent of William Shakespeare’s tragedies.’ Variety
‘This Richard III is one of the greats. Simon Phillips has given us a Richard for our times.’ The Australian (On MTC’s Richard III)
M AC B E T H by William Shakespeare
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Donor event Post-show cocktail party 13 June
In the aftermath of battle, flushed with victory, two soldiers have a bizarre encounter. Three unearthly women prophesy for them undreamed-of greatness. But when shortly afterwards the first of their prophecies come true, one of them dares to imagine… And thus begins the reign of Shakespeare’s most tormented tyrant. Driven to ever increasing horror in his attempts to cover his tracks and second-guess his rivals, Macbeth sinks deeper and deeper into isolation and madness. The original Game of Thrones – and the best. All dark and comfortless, Shakespeare’s restless epic shows a man’s slow immersion in the corruption that comes with power. Following the great success of former Artistic Director Simon Phillips’ recent Shakespeare productions, Richard III and Hamlet, which garnered Green Room and Helpmann awards, this fearsome reinterpretation of Macbeth completes a trilogy of unforgettable Shakespearean productions for MTC. Director Simon Phillips Composer Ian McDonald Voice Coach Leith McPherson
#mtcMacbeth
Contains violence
CLASSIC TRAGEDY
5 JUNE – 15 JULY
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‘If there is a finer stage comedy than Michael Frayn’s farce about the staging of a farce, I’ve yet to see it.’ The Times
‘One of the all-time great farces.’ The Hollywood Reporter
NOISES OFF by Michael Frayn Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse Donor event Post-show cocktail party 24 July
It’s after midnight and the touring company for a new play Nothing On struggles through a final dress rehearsal unprepared for an Opening Night that is only hours away. Actors forget lines and where to put their props, the stage managers cope with mounting disasters, and the director is driven to hair-pulling exasperation. And although all seems shambolic now, remember the theatrical motto: ‘It’ll be all right on the night!’ Well, in this case, maybe not. By taking a typical English bedroom farce, opening it up, twisting it back-to-front and turning it inside-out, Michael Frayn created what many regard as the funniest play ever written. But who can judge when you’re laughing so hard? The perfect demolition requires precise skills, which is good reason to call in director Sam Strong (The Speechmaker) to place the detonators and co-ordinate the mayhem. Simon Burke ao (Devil's Playground), Ray Chong Nee (Othello) and Libby Munro (Disgraced – QTC Season) lead a superbly versatile cast, who gallantly try to keep the show from slipping completely off the rails. Cast includes Simon Burke, Libby Munro, Ray Chong Nee, Hugh Parker, Louise Siversen Director Sam Strong Set & Costume Designer Richard Roberts Lighting Designer Ben Hughes Associate Director & Dialect Coach Leith McPherson
#mtcNoisesOff
A co-production with Queensland Theatre Company
Contains coarse language
CLASSIC COMEDY
8 JULY – 12 AUGUST
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AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE ‘Incredibly touching. A moving and surprising pleasure of an evening.’ The Telegraph
‘A play that makes you want to give it a hug.’ Financial Times
DI AND VIV AND ROSE by Amelia Bullmore
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
From different classes, from different places, with different experiences and expectations, Di, Viv and Rose would never have crossed paths if they hadn’t shared a flat all those years ago at university. For a while, the laughs and the troubles bound them together. But surely time, which delivers triumph, disaster and change so unequally and unpredictably, will slowly draw these three women apart. Recent MTC productions have thrown a spotlight on friendships, and how fragile they can sometimes be. Amelia Bullmore tells a different story in Di and Viv and Rose, equally true, that between some friends bonds can loosen, stretch and strain, yet never break. Starring the incomparable Nadine Garner (The Weir, Private Lives), under the direction of renowned theatre-maker Marion Potts, this much-heralded new play spans the years, and spins the yarns to evoke a story of enduring friendship that is undoubtedly one of the most moving tales to hit the stage in many years. Cast includes Nadine Garner Director Marion Potts
#mtcDiVivRose
Contains coarse language and mature themes
CONTEMPORARY DRAMA COMEDY
12 AUGUST – 16 SEPTEMBER
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‘Coward’s well-nigh perfect comedy of bad manners.’ The Independent
‘A comic masterpiece in the great tradition of high English comedy.’ The Telegraph
H AY F E V E R by Noël Coward
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Donor event Post-show cocktail party 16 October
Although decidedly odd, the Bliss family can be perfectly charming when they want to be. Although it is indubitably true that Judith, a retired actress, tends towards melodrama in her everyday affairs, and her husband, David, a novelist, can be rather reclusive and foul tempered. Their grown-up children, Simon and Sorel, are quite capable of civility – if it suits them. It is just that, on this blighted weekend, each has invited a guest to stay at their house in the country without telling any of the others. So dashed inconsiderate! And for their poor guests, perfect agony! No Bright Young Thing ever burned brighter than Noël Coward in the Twenties. His supreme comedy of bad manners, Hay Fever, has been raising scandalised laughter for almost a hundred years. 2016 Helpmann Award-winning director Lee Lewis kicked up controversy a few years ago with her biting, free-flowing direction of David Williamson’s Rupert for MTC. She returns to apply her sure touch on this high-toned, high society classic starring the irresistible Marina Prior (Jumpy) and Simon Gleeson (star of Les Misérables). Cast includes Simon Gleeson, Marina Prior Director Lee Lewis
#mtcHayFever
CLASSIC COMEDY
23 SEPTEMBER – 28 OCTOBER
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AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
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The Observer
The Guardian
The Evening Standard
‘The Father is a revelation. It’s as sharp and surprising a play as you’ll see all year.’ The Times
T H E FAT H E R by Florian Zeller, translated by Christopher Hampton Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Donor event Post-show dinner 13 November
There’s definitely something fishy going on. You can’t fool André, and while he may be eighty years old and apt, on occasion, to forget things, they are only ever small things. Such as where he’s put his watch. It doesn’t explain why people are messing around with things in his flat, and why his daughter keeps contradicting herself. And it doesn’t explain why she allows strangers to come in and threaten him. No, something’s going on and he’ll get to the bottom of it. A touching, funny and deeply unsettling mystery, Florian Zeller’s The Father was a hit in France before Christopher Hampton translated it into English and repeated the success and critical acclaim in London and New York. In its sympathy for a man who loses everything, The Father transposes strains of King Lear into a minor key. In this Australian premiere production directed by Damien Ryan, John Bell ao, who has played Lear many times, now brings depth, humour and pathos to another foolish, fond old man. MTC favourite, Anita Hegh (The Crucible) plays his dutiful daughter, who may or may not be in on the conspiracy. Cast includes John Bell, Ian Bliss, Marco Chiappi, Anita Hegh, Natasha Herbert Director Damien Ryan Set & Costume Designer Alicia Clements Lighting Designer Rachel Burke Composer & Sound Designer Steve Francis
#mtcTheFather
A co-production with Sydney Theatre Company. By special arrangement with Theatre Royal Bath Productions.
CONTEMPORARY COMEDY DRAMA
2 NOVEMBER – 16 DECEMBER
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WORLD PREMIERE ‘Eddie Perfect delights in his creations like an old testament god.’ The Australian
‘Perfect likes to find the gaps and cracks in society, and open them up.’ The Age
VIVID WHITE by Eddie Perfect
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Donor event Post-show cocktail party 27 November
Liz and Ben have known Cynthia and Evan for years and would never let anything get in the way of their friendship. Except. When the couples each set their sights on buying the same house – well, that’s different. Forget friendship, forget respect, forget human decency: this is the property market. And nothing, not even the imminent collapse of civilisation itself, can stop the zombie-like single-mindedness of buying the perfect house. In his previous play commissioned by MTC, The Beast, Eddie Perfect’s wild satirical mind created a living nightmare out of middle-class aspirations. Vivid White goes even further, adding satirical songs to the mix for a truly merciless night of outrageous comedy. It is becoming a small tradition at MTC to stage plays that take bold, healthy swipes at Australia’s sacred institutions, and who better to direct this vicious new satire than Dean Bryant, with a stellar cast led by The Speechmaker’s Brent Hill and two-time Helpmann Awardwinner Verity Hunt-Ballard, still glowing from her triumph as Mary Poppins on the musical stage. Cast includes Brent Hill, Verity Hunt-Ballard Director Dean Bryant Set & Costume Designer Owen Phillips Lighting Designer Ross Graham
#mtcVividWhite
Contains blood, violence and very coarse language
C O N T E M P O R A R Y S AT I R E
18 NOVEMBER – 23 DECEMBER
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Why Subscribe? Look forward to a year full of memorable theatre experiences and great value entertainment. Subscribe today to enjoy these special benefits.
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Subscribers get access to the best seats in the house well before tickets go on sale to the public. Many shows book up quickly, so get your subscription order in early.
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Full Season Subscriptions MTC’s Full Season Subscribers are the aficionados, the adventurers and the enquiring minds. They join us each year to revel in and support Melbourne’s very best theatre. And lots of it! Become an 11 Play Full Season Subscriber today to enjoy the following special benefits.
Best Value Full Season Subscribers get the best value tickets of all MTC Subscribers. In 2016, Full Season Subscribers saved 34% on the cost of the average adult weekend ticket. That’s an annual saving of over $400 per person. See page 29 for prices.
Priority seating Full Season Subscribers enjoy exclusive early access to the very best Subscriber seats when renewing during the 11 Play priority booking window. Existing Subscribers upgrading to be Full Season Subscribers receive priority access to great seats above other subscription bookings.
Free ticket exchanges Keeping your calendar flexible is now easier than ever. Exchanges for all 11 Play Full Season subscription tickets are now free of charge.
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How to Book After exploring the 2017 Season and selecting your plays, complete your booking online, send in your form by mail, or drop it off in person.
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Subscription Prices Subscribers save up to 34% on regular ticket prices. Concessions are available for seniors, groups, pensioners, full time students, University of Melbourne staff and people aged under 30.
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Access and Seating Requirements Please let us know at the time of booking if you have access or particular seating requirements so we can select seats suitable to your needs. See page 51 for details. * Opening Night Subscriptions only available to Donors giving $1,000+ †† ‡ # Conditions apply. See page 51 for more information.
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Love MTC? Join the Club. Add an MTC Club membership to fast-track your subscription and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks in a private lounge
Attend MTC Club Member Nights and exclusive events
The Qatar Airways MTC Lounge offers an exclusive place for MTC Club Members to relax pre-show and at interval with complimentary drinks and snacks. New in 2017, MTC Club Members can book in for dinner and purchase delicious menu offerings from Script Bar & Bistro while taking in the view of Melbourne’s spectacular city skyline in your own private dining room.
Book into the MTC Club Member Night for each mainstage production in the Sumner and attend an exclusive pre-show event in the Qatar Airways MTC Lounge hosted by a member of MTC’s Artistic Team. These special MTC Club Member Nights will take place on the dates listed below and are marked on the Performance Diary (page 40) with the symbol so you know which performances to book into when planning your subscription.
The Lounge is open at evening performances during the first three full weeks after Opening Night for all MTC productions in the Sumner. Check the performance diary for Lounge open dates.
Secure the best available seats As an MTC Club Member, your subscription is fast-tracked to the front of the queue, giving you access to the best available seats.
Save on parking, retail, and dining Receive a discount on parking at Arts Centre Melbourne, and enjoy special offers at dining and retail partners across the Arts Precinct and Southgate.
MTC Club Members also receive invitations to a range of additional MTC Club events throughout the year.
Win a trip to London Be one of the first 250 MTC Club Members, to have the exclusive opportunity to win a trip to London for two, thanks to Qatar Airways. Conditions apply.
Full Season Subscriber Bonus 11 Play Full Season Subscribers receive two complimentary singleentry guest passes to the Qatar Airways MTC Lounge when joining the MTC Club.
Annual MTC Club Fees $250 Individual $400 Double (two people in the same household)
Join the Club today MTC Club Member Nights Born Yesterday 30 January Faith Healer 20 March Three Little Words 1 May Macbeth 19 June Di and Viv and Rose 28 August Hay Fever 9 October Vivid White 4 December
Simply tick the MTC Club membership box on your subscription form, or join online when you subscribe at mtc.com.au/subscriptions
Enquiries If you would like to know more about becoming an MTC Club Member, please contact: club@mtc.com.au 03 8688 0958 For terms and conditions see page 50.
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Relax pre-show and at interval with complimentary drinks in the Qatar Airways MTC Lounge.
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Support Your MTC MTC Foundation
Melbourne Theatre Company sits at the cultural gateway to Melbourne’s world-class arts precinct, integral to the creativity and vibrancy of the State of Victoria. The Company has been producing world class theatre, nurturing writers, directors and artists as well as touring major works regionally, nationally and internationally for over 60 years. MTC Subscribers and ticket buyers support MTC by purchasing tickets year after year – and we are incredibly grateful for this support. However, our ticket sales cover only 56% of our operating costs, which means that MTC Donors are helping subsidise part of each ticket, plus covering the costs of our off-stage activities – touring, education and community building activities. Every donation really does make a difference and the trust you place in the Company when you make a donation is very important to us. All donations go through the MTC Foundation, which is charged with appropriately managing and distributing donations across key areas of MTC’s business to realise the strategic and artistic goals of the Company. Chaired by philanthropist and business woman, Jane Hansen, the MTC Foundation Board is made up of individuals who are committed to ensuring donor dollars are carefully managed including Terry Bracks, Fiona Griffiths, Janette Kendall, Dr Sam Margis, Louise Myer, Leigh O’Neill, Hilary Scott and Richard Tegoni, along with support from MTC Executive Director Virginia Lovett, Finance Director Liz Chappell and Development Director Tiffany Lucas.
Many of MTC’s initiatives such as play readings, new writing commissions, subsidised tickets for schools and students, the Women in Theatre mentoring program and education and family initiatives are only possible due to targeted donations. As the State’s flagship theatre company, these activities are what sets MTC apart from the commercial theatre sector. MTC needs to lead the way in community engagement and ensure that Victoria continues to lead the country as the arts and cultural capital of Australia. We are extremely grateful to our generous Donors and their ongoing support of MTC. We have big dreams at MTC. Our plans for the future include creating and developing new landmark works for the Australian canon, touring internationally, and bringing the best theatre from around the world to Melbourne audiences – but we need your help to make these dreams a reality. A donation to MTC demonstrates a Donor’s vision and leadership in building the future of Arts in Australia. Thank you for your generosity.
Become a Donor today Donors giving more than $1,000 enjoy VIP ticketing services, access to the best seats in the house, invitations to exclusive pre and post show events and unique access to the world behind the curtain. It’s easy to donate to MTC – simply include a donation on your subscription form or donate online when you subscribe at mtc.com.au/ subscriptions. To learn more about donating to MTC, or planning a bequest, please speak with one of our Philanthropy team members. Contact: donations@mtc.com.au 03 8688 0954
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MTC Community
Education
Sharing the Light
In 2017, MTC continues to grow its award-winning Education Program, enriching the creative lives of thousands of young people across the state.
MTC has at its core a deep desire to make theatre more accessible and affordable for the wider community, and with our five-year Sharing the Light initiative, students from over 300 Victorian schools and outer urban communities have been expanding their theatre experience with the generous support of the Crown Resorts Foundation and the Packer Family Foundation.
MTC offers students a range of invaluable learning opportunities – MTC Ambassadors, Youth Scholarship Course, pre-show talks, and VCE-focussed workshops – that give students a unique insight into professional theatre-making and support their studies. MTC also produces theatre made especially for students, like Melbourne Talam by Rashma N. Kalsie, a participant in MTC CONNECT. Developed as part of MTC’s NEON Festival and Cybec Electric play reading series, Melbourne Talam will receive its World Premiere for MTC’s Education Season in the Lawler this April, before touring regionally. View details of the full MTC Education Program at mtc.com.au/education
Subsidised $5 Student Tickets, $5 Family Tickets, and generous travel subsidies are now playing a major role in welcoming thousands of brand new theatre fans to MTC, while the Regional Tour project continues to take our award-winning Education shows and accompanying enrichment programs on the road, reaching young people right across the state. MTC also continues to offer Indigenous Scholarships, with intensive work experience designed to foster unique career pathways for young Indigenous people. Learn more at mtc.com.au/sharingthelight
Artist Development and New Commissions MTC has always been a champion for local writers and developing artists. As a leading theatre company, we are not just a destination for great performance, but also a centre for innovation, where artists are mentored and the great Australian writing of the future is nurtured. Through initiatives such as the Women in Theatre Program, the MTC CONNECT partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria, the Assistant Directors and Secondments programs, the NEON workshops for independent theatre makers, and the Cybec Electric play reading series, which for 2017 will form part of Asia TOPA (Triennial of Performing Arts), MTC is committed to ensuring Australia’s diverse theatre landscape continues to flourish. For further details visit mtc.com.au/artistaccess
-35Darcy Brown in Peddling
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MTC Community
MTC Education Production Melbourne Talam by Rashma N. Kalsie (pictured left) Three young people see each other across a crowded Flagstaff station. They just missed the train. Now they wait. And think. They think about home: Punjab, Delhi, Hyderabad. And about how they just can’t seem to get Melbourne’s rhythm right. And of all the impossible things they must do to stay. And their time is running out. Developed through MTC CONNECT, and the NEON and Cybec Electric play development programs, this vibrant production will put our city’s contemporary social issues at centre stage.
4 – 20 May Southbank Theatre, The Lawler
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Since establishing the ground-breaking NEON initiative in 2013, MTC has supported the independent theatre sector and its artists with practical opportunities to showcase work and unique skill-advancement programs. MTC will continue the NEON initiative in 2017, particularly focussing on artist and work development, through dedicated creative workshops for independent artists, establishing a new open-application Artist in Residence program, offering touring support to pioneering local artists THE RABBLE and Sisters Grimm, while continuing to develop new works by Nicola Gunn and Daniel Schlusser – two of Australia’s most innovative independent theatre practitioners. For further details visit mtc.com.au/neon
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Get closer to the stage Forum nights and show programmes
Free Forum Nights
Show Programmes
Due to popular demand, in 2017 MTC will now host two post-show Forum Nights for most productions, giving more people the chance to hear first-hand from members of the cast and creative team of each show.
New in 2017, printed programmes will be available to all MTC audiences for a gold coin donation at the theatre. Digital programme downloads will also be available free of charge. As such, it will no longer be necessary to preorder programme vouchers with your subscription.
Forum Nights occur directly after the first two Monday night performances post Opening Night for most productions. See the performance diary on page 40 for more details. Please note, from 2017 MTC will no longer present the pre-season Cast and Artist Q&A series, previously known as Production Briefings.
Programmes will continue to contain the unique array of insights about each play, with detailed information on the cast and creative team, so you can get closer to the stage and explore the world inside MTC.
MTC Forum Nights Born Yesterday John Faith Healer Three Little Words
23 & 30 January 20 & 27 February 13 & 20 March 24 April & 1 May
Minnie & Liraz
22 & 29 May
Macbeth
12 & 19 June
Noises Off
17 July
Di and Viv and Rose
21 & 28 August
Hay Fever
2 & 9 October
The Father
13 & 20 November
Vivid White
27 November & 4 December
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Chris Mead with the cast of Skylight
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Performance Diary Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin
14 January – 25 February Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Forum Nights: Monday 23 January, Monday 30 January Junk-yard tycoon Harry Brock is settling into a swank Washington hotel ready to grease palms and browbeat Senators. But how can he win over Congress if his girlfriend, Billie, is always bringing down the tone? Perhaps reporter Paul Verrall can teach Billie a few things. But does she have the capacity to learn?
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 14 Jan – 8pm
16 Jan – 8pm
17 Jan – 8pm
18 Jan – 8pm
19 Jan – 8pm
20 Jan – 8pm
21 Jan – 4pm, 8:30pm
23 Jan – 6:30pm
24 Jan – 6:30pm
25 Jan – 1pm, 8pm
26 Jan – 8pm
27 Jan – 8pm
28 Jan – 4pm, 8:30pm
30 Jan – 6:30pm
31 Jan – 6:30pm
01 Feb – 1pm, 8pm
02 Feb – 8pm
03 Feb – 8pm
04 Feb – 4pm, 8:30pm
06 Feb – 6:30pm
07 Feb – 6:30pm
08 Feb – 1pm, 8pm
09 Feb – 8pm
10 Feb – 8pm
11 Feb – 4pm
13 Feb – 6:30pm
14 Feb – 6:30pm
15 Feb – 1pm, 8pm
16 Feb – 8pm
17 Feb – 8pm
18 Feb – 4pm, 8:30pm
20 Feb – 6:30pm
21 Feb – 6:30pm
22 Feb – 1pm, 8pm
23 Feb – 8pm
24 Feb – 8pm
25 Feb – 4pm , 8:30pm
, 8:30pm
Qatar Airways MTC Lounge open 20 January – 11 February
John
by Annie Baker 10 February – 25 March Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Forum Nights: Monday 20 February, Monday 27 February A young couple arrive late one evening at a bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Perhaps in this comfortable home surrounded by dolls and knickknacks they can find peace with each other. But the past can be a kind of haunting, where rooms are temperamental and you never know what objects are thinking.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
10 Feb – 8pm
11 Feb – 8pm
13 Feb – 8pm
14 Feb – 8pm
15 Feb – 8pm
16 Feb – 8pm
17 Feb – 8pm
18 Feb – 2pm, 8pm
20 Feb – 6:30pm
21 Feb – 6:30pm
22 Feb – 1pm, 8pm
23 Feb – 8pm
24 Feb – 8pm
25 Feb – 2pm, 8pm
27 Feb – 6:30pm
28 Feb – 6:30pm
01 Mar – 1pm, 8pm
02 Mar – 8pm
03 Mar – 8pm
04 Mar – 2pm, 8pm
06 Mar – 6:30pm
07 Mar – 6:30pm
08 Mar – 1pm, 8pm
09 Mar – 8pm
10 Mar – 8pm
11 Mar – 2pm
13 Mar – 6:30pm
14 Mar – 6:30pm
15 Mar – 1pm, 8pm
16 Mar – 8pm
17 Mar – 8pm
18 Mar – 2pm, 8pm
20 Mar – 6:30pm
21 Mar – 6:30pm
22 Mar – 1pm, 8pm
23 Mar – 8pm
24 Mar – 8pm
25 Mar – 2pm , 8pm
, 8pm
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AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE DONOR EVENT EDUCATION PERFORMANCE FORUM NIGHT MTC CLUB MEMBER NIGHT OPENING NIGHT PREVIEW TACTILE TOUR
Faith Healer by Brian Friel
4 March – 8 April Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Forum Nights: Monday 13 March, Monday 20 March From church hall to church hall, from one remote and dying village to the next, Francis Hardy, faith healer, works his magic, curing the sick and the lame, giving strength to the weak. His powers are real. Or so he says – and sometimes believes. But that was long ago and his powers these days are far less reliable.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 04 Mar – 8pm
06 Mar – 8pm
07 Mar – 8pm
08 Mar – 8pm
09 Mar – 8pm
10 Mar – 8pm
11 Mar – 4pm, 8:30pm
13 Mar – 6:30pm
14 Mar – 6:30pm
15 Mar – 1pm, 8pm
16 Mar – 8pm
17 Mar – 8pm
18 Mar – 4pm, 8:30pm
20 Mar – 6:30pm
21 Mar – 6:30pm
22 Mar – 1pm, 8pm
23 Mar – 8pm
24 Mar – 8pm
25 Mar – 4pm, 8:30pm
27 Mar – 6:30pm
28 Mar – 6:30pm
29 Mar – 1pm , 8pm
30 Mar – 8pm
31 Mar – 8pm
01 Apr – 4pm
03 Apr – 6:30pm
04 Apr – 6:30pm
05 Apr – 1pm, 8pm
06 Apr – 8pm
07 Apr – 8pm
08 Apr – 4pm , 8:30pm
, 8:30pm
Qatar Airways MTC Lounge open 10 March – 1 April
Three Little Words by Joanna Murray-Smith
18 April – 27 May Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Forum Nights: Monday 24 April, Monday 1 May Bonnie and Annie and their best friends, Tess and Curtis have both been together for twenty years. But at an anniversary dinner Tess and Curtis casually drop a bombshell – they have decided to split up. There’s no way to predict or control the devastation that follows.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
18 Apr – 8pm
19 Apr – 8pm
20 Apr – 8pm
21 Apr – 8pm
22 Apr – 8pm
24 Apr – 6:30pm
25 Apr – 6:30pm
26 Apr – 1pm, 8pm
27 Apr – 8pm
28 Apr – 8pm
29 Apr – 4pm, 8:30pm
01 May – 6:30pm
02 May – 6:30pm
03 May – 1pm, 8pm
04 May – 8pm
05 May – 8pm
06 May – 4pm, 8:30pm
08 May – 6:30pm
09 May – 6:30pm
10 May – 1pm, 8pm
11 May – 8pm
12 May – 8pm
13 May – 4pm
15 May – 6:30pm
16 May – 6:30pm
17 May – 1pm, 8pm
18 May – 8pm
19 May – 8pm
20 May – 4pm, 8:30pm
22 May – 6:30pm
23 May – 6:30pm
24 May – 1pm, 8pm
25 May – 8pm
26 May – 8pm
27 May – 4pm, 8:30pm
Qatar Airways MTC Lounge open 24 April – 13 May
, 8:30pm
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Performance Diary Minnie & Liraz by Lally Katz
12 May – 24 June Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Forum Nights: Monday 22 May, Monday 29 May The Autumn Road Retirement Village has a fiercely competitive bridge club, although with time and tide doing its inevitable work, no bridge partnership lasts for long. When Minnie Cohen loses her partner in an unfortunate swimming accident, the best player in the village, Liraz Weinberg, wants them to team up.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
12 May – 8pm
13 May – 8pm
15 May – 8pm
16 May – 8pm
17 May – 8pm
18 May – 8pm
19 May – 8pm
20 May – 4pm, 8:30pm
22 May – 6:30pm
23 May – 6:30pm
24 May – 1pm, 8pm
25 May – 8pm
26 May – 8pm
27 May – 4pm, 8:30pm
29 May – 6:30pm
30 May – 6:30pm
31 May – 1pm, 8pm
01 Jun – 8pm
02 Jun – 8pm
03 Jun – 4pm, 8:30pm
05 Jun – 6:30pm
06 Jun – 6:30pm
07 Jun – 1pm, 8pm
08 Jun – 8pm
09 Jun – 8pm
10 Jun – 4pm
12 Jun – 6:30pm
13 Jun – 6:30pm
14 Jun – 1pm, 8pm
15 Jun – 8pm
16 Jun – 8pm
17 Jun – 4pm, 8:30pm
19 Jun – 6:30pm
20 Jun – 6:30pm
21 Jun – 1pm, 8pm
22 Jun – 8pm
23 Jun – 8pm
24 Jun – 4pm , 8:30pm
, 8:30pm
Macbeth
by William Shakespeare 5 June – 15 July Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Forum Nights: Monday 12 June, Monday 19 June In the aftermath of battle, flushed with victory, two soldiers have a bizarre encounter. Three unearthly women prophesy for them undreamed-of greatness. But, when shortly afterwards, the first of their prophecies come true, one of them dares to imagine… And thus begins the reign of Shakespeare’s most tormented tyrant.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
05 Jun – 8pm
06 Jun – 8pm
07 Jun – 8pm
08 Jun – 8pm
09 Jun – 8pm
10 Jun – 8pm
12 Jun – 6:30pm
13 Jun – 6:30pm
14 Jun – 1pm, 8pm
15 Jun – 8pm
16 Jun – 8pm
17 Jun – 2pm, 8pm
19 Jun – 6:30pm
20 Jun – 6:30pm
21 Jun – 1pm , 8pm
22 Jun – 8pm
23 Jun – 8pm
24 Jun – 2pm, 8pm
26 Jun – 6:30pm
27 Jun – 6:30pm
28 Jun – 1pm, 8pm
29 Jun – 8pm
30 Jun – 8pm
01 Jul – 2pm
03 Jul – 6:30pm
04 Jul – 6:30pm
05 Jul – 1pm, 8pm
06 Jul – 8pm
07 Jul – 8pm
08 Jul – 2pm, 8pm
10 Jul – 6:30pm
11 Jul – 6:30pm
12 Jul – 1pm, 8pm
13 Jul – 8pm
14 Jul – 8pm
15 Jul – 2pm , 8pm
Qatar Airways MTC Lounge open 10 June – 1 July
, 8pm
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AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE DONOR EVENT EDUCATION PERFORMANCE FORUM NIGHT MTC CLUB MEMBER NIGHT OPENING NIGHT PREVIEW TACTILE TOUR
Noises Off
by Michael Frayn 8 July – 12 August Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse Forum Night: Monday 17 July It’s after midnight and the touring company for a new play Nothing On struggles through a final dress rehearsal ready for the Opening Night that is only hours away. And although all seems shambolic now, remember the theatrical motto: ‘It’ll be all right on the night!’ Well, in this case, maybe not.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 08 Jul – 8pm
10 Jul – 8pm
11 Jul – 8pm
12 Jul – 8pm
13 Jul – 8pm
14 Jul – 8pm
15 Jul – 4pm, 8:30pm
17 Jul – 6:30pm
18 Jul – 6:30pm
19 Jul – 1pm, 8pm
20 Jul – 8pm
21 Jul – 8pm
22 Jul – 4pm, 8:30pm
24 Jul – 6:30pm
25 Jul – 6:30pm
26 Jul – 1pm, 8pm
27 Jul – 8pm
28 Jul – 8pm
29 Jul – 4pm, 8:30pm
31 Jul – 6:30pm
01 Aug – 6:30pm
02 Aug – 1pm, 8pm
03 Aug – 8pm
04 Aug – 8pm
05 Aug – 4pm
07 Aug – 6:30pm
08 Aug – 6:30pm
09 Aug – 1pm , 8pm
10 Aug – 8pm
11 Aug – 8pm
12 Aug – 4pm , 8:30pm
, 8:30pm
Di and Viv and Rose by Amelia Bullmore
12 August – 16 September Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Forum Nights: Monday 21 August, Monday 28 August From different classes, from different places, with different experiences and expectations, Di, Viv and Rose would never have crossed paths if they hadn’t shared a flat all those years ago at university. But surely time, which delivers triumph, disaster and change so unequally, will slowly draw these three women apart.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 12 Aug – 8pm
14 Aug – 8pm
15 Aug – 8pm
16 Aug – 8pm
17 Aug – 8pm
18 Aug – 8pm
19 Aug – 4pm, 8:30pm
21 Aug – 6:30pm
22 Aug – 6:30pm
23 Aug – 1pm, 8pm
24 Aug – 8pm
25 Aug – 8pm
26 Aug – 4pm, 8:30pm
28 Aug – 6:30pm
29 Aug – 6:30pm
30 Aug – 1pm, 8pm
31 Aug – 8pm
01 Sep – 8pm
02 Sep – 4pm, 8:30pm
04 Sep – 6:30pm
05 Sep – 6:30pm
06 Sep – 1pm, 8pm
07 Sep – 8pm
08 Sep – 8pm
09 Sep – 4pm
11 Sep – 6:30pm
12 Sep – 6:30pm
13 Sep – 1pm, 8pm
14 Sep – 8pm
15 Sep – 8pm
16 Sep – 4pm , 8:30pm
Qatar Airways MTC Lounge open 18 August – 9 September
, 8:30pm
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Performance Diary Hay Fever
by Noël Coward 23 September – 28 October Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Forum Nights: Monday 2 October, Monday 9 October Although decidedly odd, the Bliss family can be perfectly charming when they want to be. It is just that, on this blighted weekend, each has invited a guest to stay at their house in the country without telling any of the others. So dashed inconsiderate! And for their poor guests, perfect agony!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 23 Sep – 8pm
25 Sep – 8pm
26 Sep – 8pm
27 Sep – 8pm
28 Sep – 8pm
29 Sep – 8pm
30 Sep – 4pm, 8:30pm
02 Oct – 6:30pm
03 Oct – 6:30pm
04 Oct – 1pm, 8pm
05 Oct – 8pm
06 Oct – 8pm
07 Oct – 4pm, 8:30pm
09 Oct – 6:30pm
10 Oct – 6:30pm
11 Oct – 1pm, 8pm
12 Oct – 8pm
13 Oct – 8pm
14 Oct – 4pm, 8:30pm
16 Oct – 6:30pm
17 Oct – 6:30pm
18 Oct – 1pm, 8pm
19 Oct – 8pm
20 Oct – 8pm
21 Oct – 4pm
23 Oct – 6:30pm
24 Oct – 6:30pm
25 Oct – 1pm, 8pm
26 Oct – 8pm
27 Oct – 8pm
28 Oct – 4pm, 8:30pm
, 8:30pm
Qatar Airways MTC Lounge open 29 September – 21 October
The Father
by Florian Zeller, translated by Christopher Hampton 2 November – 16 December Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Forum Nights: Monday 13 November, Monday 20 November André may be eighty years old and apt, on occasion, to forget things, but they are only ever small things. It certainly doesn’t explain why people are messing around with things in his flat. Something fishy is definitely going on, and he’ll get to the bottom of it.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
02 Nov – 8pm
03 Nov – 8pm
04 Nov – 8pm
06 Nov – 8pm
07 Nov – 8pm
08 Nov – 8pm
09 Nov – 8pm
10 Nov – 8pm
11 Nov – 4pm, 8:30pm
13 Nov – 6:30pm
14 Nov – 6:30pm
15 Nov – 1pm, 8pm
16 Nov – 8pm
17 Nov – 8pm
18 Nov – 4pm, 8:30pm
20 Nov – 6:30pm
21 Nov – 6:30pm
22 Nov – 1pm, 8pm
23 Nov – 8pm
24 Nov – 8pm
25 Nov – 4pm, 8:30pm
27 Nov – 6:30pm
28 Nov – 6:30pm
29 Nov – 1pm, 8pm
30 Nov – 8pm
01 Dec – 8pm
02 Dec – 4pm
04 Dec – 6:30pm
05 Dec – 6:30pm
06 Dec – 1pm, 8pm
07 Dec – 8pm
08 Dec – 8pm
09 Dec – 4pm, 8:30pm
11 Dec – 6:30pm
12 Dec – 6:30pm
13 Dec – 1pm, 8pm
14 Dec – 8pm
15 Dec – 8pm
16 Dec – 4pm , 8:30pm
, 8:30pm
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AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE DONOR EVENT EDUCATION PERFORMANCE FORUM NIGHT MTC CLUB MEMBER NIGHT OPENING NIGHT PREVIEW TACTILE TOUR
Vivid White by Eddie Perfect
18 November – 23 December Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Forum Nights: Monday 27 November, Monday 4 December Liz and Ben have known Cynthia and Evan for years and would never let anything get in the way of their friendship. Except, when the couples each set their sights on buying the same house. Forget friendship, forget respect, forget human decency: this is the Australian property market.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 18 Nov – 8pm
20 Nov – 8pm
21 Nov – 8pm
22 Nov – 8pm
23 Nov – 8pm
24 Nov – 8pm
25 Nov – 2pm, 8pm
27 Nov – 6:30pm
28 Nov – 6:30pm
29 Nov – 1pm, 8pm
30 Nov – 8pm
01 Dec – 8pm
02 Dec – 2pm, 8pm
04 Dec – 6:30pm
05 Dec – 6:30pm
06 Dec – 1pm, 8pm
07 Dec – 8pm
08 Dec – 8pm
09 Dec – 2pm, 8pm
11 Dec – 6:30pm
12 Dec – 6:30pm
13 Dec – 1pm, 8pm
14 Dec – 8pm
15 Dec – 8pm
16 Dec – 2pm
18 Dec – 6:30pm
19 Dec – 6:30pm
20 Dec – 1pm, 8pm
21 Dec – 8pm
22 Dec – 8pm
23 Dec – 2pm , 8pm
, 8pm
Qatar Airways MTC Lounge open 24 November – 16 December
Donor Events Each season, we create a program of relaxed and intimate dinners and cocktail party events that provide our Donors (giving $1,000+) opportunities to meet members of the cast and creative teams from MTC productions. To find out more about becoming a Donor, refer to page 32.
Show
Date
Event
Venue
Born Yesterday
Tuesday 31 January
Post-show cocktail party
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
Faith Healer
Monday 13 March
Post-show cocktail party following forum
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
Three Little Words
Thursday 4 May
Pre and post-show dinner
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
Minnie & Liraz
Monday 5 June
Post-show dinner
Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio
Macbeth
Tuesday 13 June
Post-show cocktail party
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
Noises Off
Monday 24 July
Post-show cocktail party
Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse
Hay Fever
Monday 16 October
Post-show cocktail party
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
The Father
Monday 13 November
Post-show dinner
Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio
Vivid White
Monday 27 November
Post-show cocktail party following forum
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
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Important Dates for your Diary
28
7
August
September
2017 Season announced
Exclusive priority booking window closes
Exclusive priority booking window opens for renewing 11 Play Full Season Subscribers and Donors ($1,000+).
for renewing 11 Play Full Season Subscribers.
Priority booking period opens for all other renewing Subscribers.
30
7
September
October
Priority booking period closes
Booking period begins
1
2
for all other renewing Subscribers.
for new Subscribers.
December
March 2017
Tickets go on sale
Tickets go on sale
to the public for Born Yesterday, John and Faith Healer.
to the public for all remaining productions.
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Audi is proud to be a Major Partner of Melbourne Theatre Company.
As a German brand, culture is important to Audi’s heritage, and as an Australian company, we feel it’s important to support the creativity of Australian artists. Melbourne Theatre Company’s innovation and sophistication matches perfectly with Audi’s values, and we are proud to be part of the performance.
audi.com.au
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Get more from your MTC experience Discover a world behind the curtain online.
Claire van der Boom at the Double Indemnity dress rehearsal.
Subscriber eNewsletters
Join the conversation
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, learn about exciting new events and receive special offers and giveaways with our monthly Subscriber eNews. To sign up, simply login to your online account or email mtcticketing@mtc.com.au
Explore ever-changing photo galleries, videos, articles, in-depth interviews, podcasts and more on MTC’s blog, Backstage, and social media channels. Take the time to discover the world behind the stage, learn about the creative teams and artists that bring our shows to life, and share your experience with other theatre fans.
Programmes Get prepared for each show with production programmes available online, as well as at the theatre, for a gold coin donation.
mtc.com.au/backstage
MelbourneTheatreCompany @MelbTheatreCo @MelbTheatreCo melbtheatreco MelbTheatre2017
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A still from the Skylight video trailer filmed in rehearsal with Anna Samson and Colin Friels. Jurga Celikiene preparing wigs for Jasper Jones. Mark Leonard Winter and Robin McLeavy in rehearsals for Miss Julie.
Leon Ford backstage at the Playhouse for Double Indemnity. Puppet Ovo in rehearsal for MTC Family Show, Egg.
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Subscriber & Access information Forum Nights
Previews
Join us after selected performances to hear members of the cast and creative team discuss the show. Please note, these evenings are very popular, so get in early. Forum Nights are marked in the Performance Diary.
Previews, marked in the Performance Diary, are the exciting first performances leading up to Opening Night. Please note that directors may need to halt the performance for technical reasons. Previews are presented at a discount price to compensate for any possible technical issues that may arise.
Head Booker Organising subscriptions for people not in your household? If you’re listed first on the booking form (and on the topmost form when multiple forms are submitted together) you will become our key point of contact in case of seating reallocation or other contingencies. Please note, the Head Booker is responsible for supplying correct contact, credit card and payment information at the time of booking. It is very important you include full names, details and email addresses of all those attending in your group. All tickets will be mailed to the Head Booker. MTC Club MTC Club Members’ subscriptions are fast-tracked for priority processing on the day we receive your order. The Qatar Airways MTC Lounge will be open prior to evening performances, and at interval where applicable, for the first three full weeks for all MTC productions in the Sumner, after Opening Night. In the event that the Lounge is closed on an advertised night, MTC Club Members who attend will be issued with complimentary drink and snack vouchers redeemable at the Southbank Theatre Foyer Bars. MTC Club Membership is annual and is valid from 1 January until 31 December 2017. Both MTC Club Members must be registered at the same address for double memberships. MTC Club cards and benefits are not refundable or transferable. Full details of the MTC Club can be found at mtc.com.au/club The first 250 MTC Club Members who join by 1 December 2016 will be provided an opportunity to go into the draw to win two round-trip tickets to London. Travel date restrictions apply.
Priority Processing for 11 Play Full Season Subscribers and Donors ($1,000+) Existing 11 Play Subscribers receive exclusive priority processing of their 2017 11 Play subscription until 7 September 2017 ahead of all other Subscribers. New 11 Play Full Season Subscribers will receive this benefit when renewing their 11 Play package (or the largest play package on offer) for Season 2018. MTC Donors giving $1,000+ also receive priority processing, special seating and VIP ticketing services. Programmes Show programmes will be available in theatre foyers for a gold coin donation. Subscribers can no longer pre-purchase programme vouchers at the time of booking a subscription. Warnings MTC endeavours to include accurate content warnings, however, some production content does change within the rehearsal period and we encourage you to visit our website or call the Box Office before the show opens for up-to-date warning information. Warning signs will also be placed in the theatre foyer. Ticket Exchanges Ticket exchanges are exclusive to Subscribers, so if you change your mind about which productions you’d like to include within your package, a variety of options are available.
Free exchanges for Full Season Subscribers 11 Play Full Season Subscribers can now exchange their 11 Play package tickets free of charge. 7 to 9 play Subscribers can exchange tickets for $4 per ticket. Subscriber additional tickets can be exchanged for $5 per ticket. How to exchange Exchanges are possible from after the public ticket on sale dates (see page 46), subject to availability, and can be made either in person at the Southbank Theatre Box Office, by mail to 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank VIC 3006, or online for performances at Southbank Theatre. It is not possible to exchange MTC subscription tickets at the Arts Centre Melbourne Box Office. Exchanging for a different date: When exchanging into a different performance date of the same production, tickets need to be received by MTC at least 48 hours prior to the performance date indicated on the ticket. Exchanging for a different production: Subscribers can exchange into another production within the same season, provided the exchange is into a production that is not already booked within the subscription package, and the exchange occurs at least one week before the first preview of the originally booked production. Donor Ticket Exchanges Exchanges for Donors ($1,000+) are handled by our VIP Ticketing Officer donorticketing@mtc.com.au or 03 8688 0953. Terms and conditions apply. Find out more at mtc.com.au/exchanges
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Conditions: Additional Tickets †† A night at the theatre is a great experience to share with family and friends. Subscribers who purchase a 7–11 play package can buy additional tickets to any show in our 2017 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 bookings made at a later date. Refer to the price list on page 29 for 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. Full-time students must attach documentation of current full-time enrolment. University of Melbourne staff must provide a copy of their staff ID card. Proof of concession must be provided each season.
Opening Night Packages*
Accessibility
Exclusive to MTC Donors donating $1,000+, a limited number of 2017 Opening Night subscription packages are available. Opening Night subscription tickets can be exchanged, however any price difference is non-refundable.
MTC is committed to making performances accessible to the widest possible audience. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you’d like to make use of any of the services below. If you require assistance that is not covered below, please let us know. We are happy to help wherever possible.
Additional tickets are not available for Opening Nights.
Audio Description and Tactile Tours
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 6 January, 6 April and 6 June 2017. The administration fee for this service is a one-off charge of $15 per card used. Refunds
Youth Concessions #
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.
Those aged under 30 (aged 29 and under) must include documentation indicating proof of age, such as a driver’s licence and a contact email or postal address.
For full terms and conditions, including information about content warnings, babies at performances, lost tickets and school bookings, please visit mtc.com.au/info
Vision Australia provides audio description for selected performances. Let us know when booking if you require audio description, and collect a small receiver upon arrival at the theatre. MTC also offers tactile tours of the stage prior to certain shows. Dates are marked (Audio Described) and (Tactile Tour) in the Performance Diary. Captioning and Assisted Hearing System MTC provides live captioning for selected productions. Dates are marked in the Performance Diary. Hearing assistance is also available at the Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne in the form of personal listen packs, which can be used with your hearing aid or with headphones. Ask Theatre Staff for assistance or call 8688 0800. Auslan Interpreted Performances
Group Subscriptions ‡ Group subscriptions are available for a minimum of ten people booking for at least seven of the same performance dates and times, and are available for mail bookings only. All tickets must be purchased at the same time to qualify for the discount. Groups can be inclusive of concession priced packages at the appropriate rate, alongside others at the group package rate.
MTC partners with Arts Centre Melbourne to offer Auslan interpretation for select performances. For details email MTC at info@mtc.com.au 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 leaflet outlining all access services is available at mtc.com.au, at Southbank Theatre or by calling 03 8688 0800.
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Thank you We gratefully acknowledge our visionary major Donors who share our passion and support our work.
MTC Lifetime Patrons Peter Clemenger ao and Joan Clemenger ao Allan Myers ao and Maria Myers ac The late Biddy Ponsford Dr Roger Riordan am Caroline and Derek Young am Endowment Donors $100,000+ Little Foundation Caroline and Derek Young am $20,000+ Tony and Janine Burgess Andrew and Tracey Sisson $10,000+ Mim and Michael Bartlett Carolyn and John Kirby am $5,000+ Prof Margaret Gardner ao and Prof Glyn Davis ac Robert Peck am and Yvonne van Hartel am Prof David Penington ac and Dr Sonay Hussein Anne and Mark Robertson oam Renzella Family Anonymous (1) Artistic Director’s Circle Andrew and Geraldine Buxton Dianne Lucas Susanna Mason Craig Semple Luisa Valmorbida Caroline and Derek Young am Benefactors Circle $250,000+ Crown Resorts Foundation Packer Family Foundation $50,000+ The Joan and Peter Clemenger Trust The Cybec Foundation Maureen Wheeler ao and Tony Wheeler ao $20,000+ The Andrew and Geraldine Buxton Foundation Dr Geraldine Lazarus and Greig Gailey Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Dr Andrew McAliece and Dr Richard Simme Louise and Martyn Myer ao
Vizard Foundation Caroline and Derek Young am Anonymous $10,000+ Mary Barlow Cattermole Family Christine Gilbertson Petra and Larry Kamener Macgeorge Bequest Malcolm Robertson Foundation The late Mr Noel Mason and Susanna Mason Matsarol Foundation The Myer Foundation Craig Semple Luisa Valmorbida Anonymous (2) $5,000+ John and Lorraine Bates Sandy Bell and Daryl Kendrick Besen Family Foundation Dr Andrew Buchanan and Peter Darcy Ian and Jillian Buchanan John and Robyn Butselaar The Michael and Janet Buxton Foundation Barry and Joanne Cheetham Joel Dodge and Family The Dowd Foundation Robert and Jan Green David and Lilly Harris Jane Hemstritch Anne Le Huray George Klempfner and Yolanda Klempfner ao Marshall Day Acoustics (Denis Irving Scholarship) Ian and Margaret McKellar George and Rosa Morstyn Daniel Neal and Peter Chalk Tom and Ruth O’Dea Alison Park Jeanne Pratt ac Janet Reid oam and Allan Reid Anne and Mark Robertson oam Trawalla Foundation Trust Dr Michael and Lynne Wright Anonymous (4)
For more information about supporting MTC please contact our Philanthropy team on 03 8688 0959 or donations@mtc.com.au or visit mtc.com.au/support
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Celebrating our Partners MTC would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support.
Major Partners
Major Media Partners
Production Partners
Premium Season Partners
Season Partners
Marketing Partners
Southbank Theatre Partners
MTC is a department of the University of Melbourne.
MTC is assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the State Government of Victoria through Creative Victoria.
MTC is a member of Live Performance Australia and the Australian Major Performing Arts Group.
If you would like to join our corporate family or host a private event, please contact our Head of Corporate Partnerships on 03 8688 0952 or partnerships@mtc.com.au
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STATION FEDERATION SQUARE
Our Venues
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Southbank Theatre 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
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The iconic Southbank Theatre, home of Melbourne Theatre Company, houses the Sumner (559 seats) and the Lawler (150 seats)
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100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
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MTC HQ
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Arts Centre Melbourne
MTC also performs at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse (884 seats) and the Fairfax Studio (376 seats)
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03 8688 0800
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ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE
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Getting there
Parking
Dining and Bars
Train
There is limited street parking in the St Kilda Road area. We suggest you choose one of the nearby commercial car parks, indicated on the map above, such as at Arts Centre Melbourne, Australian Ballet Centre, Wilson Southgate or Wilson Eureka. For ACROD/disabled parking, there are four bays beside Southbank Theatre on Dodds St and multiple bays within the Arts Centre Melbourne Car Park.
Script Bar & Bistro
Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne are both within a tenminute walk of Flinders Street Station across the Princes Bridge. Arts Centre Melbourne is located on the right under the spire while Southbank Theatre is on Southbank Boulevard just past the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International). Tram For tram routes travelling along St Kilda Road, alight at the Arts Precinct stop 14 (opposite NGV International) to walk to Arts Centre Melbourne or Southbank Theatre. Route 1 to South Melbourne Beach travels along Southbank Boulevard. For Southbank Theatre, alight at the Sturt St stop 17 (opposite Melbourne Recital Centre).
Accessibility For information about ways in which MTC makes performances accessible to the widest possible audience, go to page 51, visit mtc.com.au/access or call us on 03 8688 0800.
Within Southbank Theatre, Script Bar & Bistro offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and post-show supper. Script is open from 7am until late Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from two hours prior to 2pm matinees and one hour prior to 4pm matinees at Southbank Theatre. Book online at scriptbar.com.au, email bookings@scriptbar.com.au or call 03 8688 0881. Arts Centre Melbourne There are a range of dining options within Arts Centre Melbourne. Go to artscentremelbourne.com.au/ your-visit for further information. Southbank Theatre Foyer Bars The Southbank Theatre Foyer Bars open one hour prior to all performances in the Sumner and the Lawler, offering a selection of wines, beers, cider, soft drinks, confectionery, snacks and tea and coffee. For more information visit mtc.com.au/visit Qatar Airways MTC Lounge MTC Club Members enjoy exclusive access to the Lounge at Southbank Theatre. See page 30 for more information.
CRICOS: 00116K
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WHERE IDEAS COL L IDE Melbourne Theatre Company’s 2017 season is proudly presented by the University of Melbourne.
The University of Melbourne seeks to make a contribution to the rich cultural life of our nation. We are proud of our close association with Melbourne Theatre Company, which has provided audiences, writers and performers with the opportunity to share unique ideas on the stage for over sixty years.
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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. Art direction and design Emma Wagstaff Editor James Wright Season photography Justin Ridler Stylist Sophie Woodward Copywriting Paul Galloway Talent Manager Matthew Bebbington Design Daniel Cordner, Helena Turinski Photoshoot coordination Millie Mullinar Additional photos Jeff Busby, Tim Grey, Mandy Jones, Rob Maccoll, Kristoffer Paulsen, Sarah Walker, Lachlan Woods. Thank you to all the presenters who gave their time to appear at the Season 2017 Launch. Launch Producer Mandy Jones AV Design Allan Hirons and Adam Bowring Lighting Design Kerry Saxby Composer and Sound Designer Russell Goldsmith Stage Manager Millie Mullinar.