After months of script reading, research, photo shoots, preparation and planning, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Season 2013 was finally launched at Hamer Hall last night, with over 2,000 subscribers in attendance. For those who didn’t attend or would like a refresher, here’s a quick summary of what MTC will be presenting next year and some of the exciting things you can expect from the new season.
“The Other Place”:
By Sharr White
Australian Premiere
Acclaimed film, TV and theatre director Nadia Tass is directing Catherine McClements and Philip Quast in a play that is full of thrilling plot twists, a wonderful start to MTC’s 60th anniversary season.
“Constellations”:
By Nick Payne
Australian Premiere
Nick Payne is an inspiring new playwright on the British scene, winning the 2012 Harold Pinter Award. The MTC production of Constellations sees Alison Bell take on the role of Marianne under the direction of our new
Associate Director Leticia Cáceres. Plus it’s exclusive to Melbourne!
“Other Desert Cities”:
*By Jon
Robin Baitz*
Australian Premiere
Directed by new
Associate Artistic Director Sam Strong, Other Desert Cities (a Tony and Pulitzer Prize nominated play by the creator of TV show Brothers and Sisters) will star Robyn Nevin and feature a set design by Australian Venice Biennale representative Callum Morton.
“True Minds”:
By Joanna Murray-Smith
World Premiere
This MTC Commission by Joanna Murray-Smith is set to be a hilarious rom-com. It will star Louise Siversen and will be directed by Peter Houghton (not only a great director, but also an actor – currently starring in “His Girl Friday”:).
“One Man, Two Guvnors”:
By Richard Bean
Based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni,
with songs by Grand Olding
After receiving a long list of 5-star reviews in London and winning the 2012 Evening Standard Award for Best New Play, One Man, Two Guvnors headed to Broadway where it received a whole new list of rave reviews and awards. Now the entire current West End production is being flown to Australia – what’s not to look forward to?
“Solomon and Marion”:
By Lara Foot
Australian Premiere
A play close to Jacki Weaver’s heart, Solomon and Marion won the prestigious Fleur Du Cap Award for Best New South African Play in 2011. In fact, playwright Lara Foot seems to attract awards (one of her plays received 18!). Jacki Weaver and Pacharo Mzembe will be working with director Pamela Rabe in this Australian premiere.
“The Crucible”:
By Arthur Miller
The Crucible is a classic and the last time MTC presented the play was in 1991. This time we have David Wenham and Anita Hegh as the Proctors, with Sam Strong sitting in the director’s chair.
“The Cherry Orchard”:
By Simon Stone after Anton Chekhov
World Premiere
Simon Stone has a glowing reputation when it comes to reinterpreting classics. Next year, MTC presents a World Premiere with a modern Australian re-imagining of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard starring Pamela Rabe.
“Rupert”:
By David Williamson
World Premiere
MTC includes another World Premiere in Season 2013 with David Williamson’s latest work, Rupert, covering the life of one of the most powerful Australians in history. Audiences are sure to be waiting to see how he tackles such a big topic with the help of director Lee Lewis.
“Zeitgeist”:
World Premiere? Australian Premiere? Who knows?
This blank slot in Season 2013 is so exciting because it presents the opportunity for a new, fresh and innovative work to be included in the season at a later date.
“The Mountaintop”:
By Katori Hall
Australian Premiere
After a successful run in the UK and on Broadway (starring Samuel L. Jackson) MTC brings the 2010 Olivier Award winner for Best New Play to Melbourne. MTC’s production also sees the return of Red director, Alkinos Tsilimidos.
“The Book of Everything”:
By Guus Kuijer, adapted by Richard Tulloch
Belvoir’s production of The Book of Everything has been around Australia and to New York … but never to Melbourne. Now we finally get to see this stage adaptation of Guus Kuijer’s children’s novel – it’s a bit like an early Christmas present!
Published on 24 August 2012