ABOUT THE SHOW

Join Heidi Arena, Paul English, Nadine Garner and Tamala Shelton for a special night of theatrical storytelling in this new MTC NEXT STAGE commission by acclaimed Melbourne playwright Louris van de Geer. An adaptation of Elizabeth Jolley’s award-winning Australian classic, it will be presented as a unique, sonically driven live reading to welcome the first audiences back inside Southbank Theatre after nearly a year offstage.

On a whim, middle-aged Hester brings the orphaned, adolescent Katherine into her home – it’s the start of a powerful friendship for both women. But when a sudden tragedy interrupts their seemingly idyllic outback life, it threatens to twist their unshakable bond to breaking point. A haunting thriller in the best traditions of Australian Gothic, The Well is a taut work of gnawing suspense as these two women navigate the emotional and psychological terrains of desire, memory and social isolation.

Directed by Sarah Goodes (Home, I’m Darling), this bespoke staged reading will feature an aural design by sound artist Camilla Hannan to explore the acoustic potential of theatre and to prioritise a sonic relationship with the audience. The Well is an exclusive opportunity to witness cast and creatives working together to bring a beloved novel to life. Tickets are strictly limited!

The Well was commissioned through MTC’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program with the support of our Playwrights Giving Circle Donors, The Ian Potter Foundation, Naomi Milgrom Foundation, The Myer Foundation, Malcolm Robertson Foundation and The University of Melbourne.

MTC's Summer Series is supported by Genovese