‘Funny and big-hearted, vigorous and accessible ... a thrilling, defining moment.’
‘In a nutshell: perfect theatre.’
‘A heartfelt, cleverly crafted snapshot.’
ABOUT THE SHOW
The local footy team of this small coastal town have spent so long at the bottom of the ladder they might as well be welded to it. This year a new hope arrives: the Marngrook cousins. Named after the Aboriginal game that inspired AFL, they’re match fit to bring home the team’s first flag in forever.
Whether you're a footy fanatic or not, 37 is a laugh-out-loud, powerhouse new Australian play. A little sweary and very sweaty, it hits just as hard with the laughs as it does its searing social commentary.
Set within the era of Adam Goodes’s war cry – and named for the number he immortalised – 37 asks ten actors to throw themselves into this world of blood and sweat to get at the values that drive a national obsession. Community, identity, the price of winning and the meaning of a goal: they’re all up for grabs.
Penned by Nathan Maynard – twice named Tasmanian Aboriginal Artist of the Year – and directed by Isaac Drandic (The Birthday Party, ABC’s Cleverman), 37 is a reminder that honest conversations are more than a ball toss. It matters where you stand.
Co-producer
Commissioned and developed through Melbourne Theatre Company’s NEXT STAGE Writers' Program with the support of our Current and Inaugural Playwrights Giving Circles.
Current Playwrights Giving Circle
Paul and Wendy Bonnici & Family, Tony and Janine Burgess, Kathleen Canfell, Fitzpatrick Sykes Family Foundation, Jane Hansen AO and Paul Little AO, Larry Kamener and Petra Kamener, The Margaret Lawrence Bequest, Helen Nicolay, Tania Seary and Chris Lynch, Craig Semple, Dr Richard Simmie
Inaugural Playwrights Giving Circle
Louise Myer and Martyn Myer AO, Maureen Wheeler AO and Tony Wheeler AO, Christine Brown Bequest, Allan Myers AC KC and Maria Myers AC, Tony Burgess and Janine Burgess, Dr Andrew McAliece and Dr Richard Simmie, Larry Kamener and Petra Kamener
Learn more about 37
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Video
37 at Marvel Stadium
The cast stepped off the stage and onto the field to perform a special excerpt before the Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash between Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans.
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Feature
Community, ceremony and corroboree
Set & Costume Designer Dale Ferguson and Director Isaac Drandic sat down to discuss designing the world of the Cutting Cove Currawongs.
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Feature
Behind the artwork
Artist Emma Salmon explains the meaning of her piece commissioned by us for the season of 37.
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Video
Meet Assistant Director Kamarra Bell-Wykes
Kamarra Bell-Wykes – one of our 2024 MinterEllison Future Directors – discusses her experience assistant directing 37, her involvement as a dramaturg and her advice for aspiring theatre makers.
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Video
37 trailer
Watch the video trailer for 37 ahead of seeing the production live on stage.
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Video
Currawongs team photo day
Writer Nathan Maynard, Director Isaac Drandic and the cast of 37 take a break from rehearsals for a few laughs and a hearty discussion.
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Programme
37 Programme
Writer Nathan Maynard and Director Isaac Drandic discuss bringing the blend of Marngrook and AFL to the stage. Plus meet the cast and creatives in our immersive digital programme.
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Feature
Marngrook and the modern-day game
Learn about the traditional Aboriginal game that inspired AFL and hear from artists continuing its legacy.
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Playlist
Playlist: Currawongs Warm-Up
Listen to a playlist of songs the 37 cast use to get warmed up for the show.
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Video
Community, corroboree and dance in 37
Find out how the energy of football – and its predecessor, Marngrook – comes to life on stage.