‘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 also sees AACTA award-winner Ngali Shaw return to the stage after his winning turn in Jacky.
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
Accessibility
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Hearing Assistance
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Audio Described
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Tactile Tour
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Open Captioning
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Closed Captioning
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Auslan Interpreted
Performance Type | Performance Date(s) |
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Audio Described
by Vision Australia |
Saturday 16 March at 2pm Tuesday 19 March at 6.30pm |
Tactile Tour
at venue |
Saturday 16 March at 2pm (Tactile tour commences at 1pm) |
Open Captioning
via screen |
Saturday 23 March at 2pm |
Closed Captioning
via GoTheatrical App |
Saturday 23 March at 2pm |
Auslan Interpreted
by Auslan Stage Left |
Tuesday 26 March at 6.30pm |
Cast & Creatives
Syd Brisbane
The General
Mitchell Brotz
Gorby
Samuel Buckley
Apples
Costa D’Angelo
Ant
Thomas Larkin
GJ
Eddie Orton
Woodsy
Ben O’Toole
Joe
Ngali Shaw
Jayma
Anthony Standish
Dazza
Tibian Wyles
Sonny
Nathan Maynard
Writer
Isaac Drandic
Director & Co-Choreographer
Dale Ferguson
Set & Costume Designer
Ben Hughes
Lighting Designer
James Henry
Composer & Sound Designer
Waangenga Blanco
Co-Choreographer
Matt Furlani
Voice & Text Coach
Kamarra Bell-Wykes
Assistant Director
Lyndall Grant
Fight Choreographer
Isabella Vadiveloo
Intimacy Coordinator
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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Script Notes with Nathan Maynard, Syd Brisbane and Isaac Drandic
Playwright Nathan Maynard, Actor Syd Brisbane and Director Isaac Drandic discuss their script notes for 37.
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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.