Audiences around Australia will have the opportunity to see Melbourne Theatre Company productions direct from stage to screen with the much-anticipated premiere of MTC Digital Theatre this Friday 16 April.
The first two shows available via this new offering will be MTC’s 2021 productions of Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes by Hannah Moscovitch and Berlin by Joanna Murray Smith.
Filmed live by Arts Centre Melbourne’s Digital & Broadcast Team during each production’s in-theatre season at MTC’s Southbank Theatre, these initial two recordings are MTC’s first foray into on-demand digital theatre.
MTC Executive Director & Co-CEO Virginia Lovett said, ‘MTC Digital Theatre is a very exciting new venture for the Company. It’s been a dream of ours for some time and audiences have been asking for it with increasing frequency, especially after last year when there was very little Australian theatre available to stream.
‘As we begin to build our own catalogue of filmed productions available to audiences Australia-wide, it is hoped that by increasing exposure to the performing arts through this digital platform we will break down barriers and open the door for new audiences to experience a live performance. Importantly, MTC Digital Theatre will also cater to local audiences who might otherwise not have access to theatre due to geographical, financial or health-related reasons.
‘Making MTC Digital Theatre happen has been a huge team effort and it is wonderful to see our long-time partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne expand as a result. We have worked hand-in-hand with their Digital & Broadcast Team to make these first two recordings a reality and we simply can’t wait to share them with our audiences.’
In producing MTC Digital Theatre, each production’s creative personnel works closely with the video team to deliver a high quality viewing experience that maintains the creative intent while reproducing the live experience especially for screen. To achieve this the productions are filmed on a multi-camera set up throughout the auditorium to capture each performance from an audience perspective.
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer AM said, ‘Our much-loved resident company, MTC, has been a part of the Arts Centre Melbourne experience since our doors opened. COVID-19 has shown us all that digital experiences are now a core part of the performing arts offer, and will be critical in sector recovery and audience engagement into the future. Collaborating with MTC to bring performances to the screen provides invaluable new opportunities for people no matter where they live to experience the splendour of the arts.’
MTC Digital Theatre is the latest offering amongst MTC’s growing range of digital activities, including its partnership with Virtual Schools Victoria, MTC Audio Lab and other popular content available through MTC NOW.
MTC Digital Theatre productions will cost $25 per video pass and will be available to watch on demand for limited seasons Australia-wide. MTC Digital Theatre will be available exclusively on MTC’s website.
Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes will be available to stream from 16 April, with Berlin to be released in June.
For more information about MTC Digital Theatre visit mtc.com.au/digitaltheatre
Published on 14 April 2021
