AustLit

'Something is unfolding here in Elsinore. For weeks the strikes have been intensifying—but there’s a new mood tonight as Carnival approaches. There’s a vivid sense of an era ending—a new age opening up. The timber workers feel it… and the royals too. Inside the palace there are whispers… the King’s death, the grinning Queen, the agitated Prince… And the ancient forest is wild again, groaning—restless... It seems to me that everything is part of a broader picture—that no matter where you look, it will tell the whole wicked story.

'In a landmark production of unmissable storytelling, Malthouse Theatre launches an immersive theatre work on a scale never seen before in Australia. An entire world has been constructed for you to explore: follow the royals through the palace, roam the length of a town on the cusp of the digital age, or sift through the drawers of a single desk. Whatever you choose, a story will play out around you of a regime on the edge of collapse. You are a silent witness in the halls of power on a pivotal night in history. Move, venture deeper, listen closely, because the night will soon be lost—and all its secrets with it.

'Because The Night is an immersive theatre show. The show is experienced by moving through the world of Elsinore as the story plays out around you.

'The actors cannot 'see' you, and will never touch or talk to you. You are a silent witness to the story.

'Enter the sprawling world of Elsinore from one of three entrance rooms: the Bedroom, the Gymnasium, or the Royal Office. The story commences with different characters' perspectives before you are invited to explore the expanse that awaits you.

'Follow the characters as their stories intersect, or go off the beaten track to discover the secrets of the town. Every choice you make is the right choice, for whatever path you take will uncover the mysteries of Because The Night.

'If you are experiencing Because The Night as a group, it is recommended you start at different entrances. Whether you choose to explore together, or split up to discover the world alone, your journey is yours to take as you wish.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Te Rēhia Theatre present a creative development showing of BLACK TIES.

'A groundbreaking collaboration and cultural exchange between two leading First Nations theatre companies, this is your opportunity for a first look at BLACK TIES before its world premiere in 2020. Emerging out of long-standing First Nations Exchange initiatives, the development of BLACK TIES began in Melbourne as part of AsiaTOPA Creative Labs in May 2018 and brings together creatives from First Nations theatre companies in Australia and New Zealand.

'When Māori corporate hotshot Hera and Aboriginal consultancy entrepreneur Bila locked eyes at a cultural awareness session, it was love at first sight. Ambitious, career focused, and driven by their need for control, Bila and Hera have their perfect future all mapped out. But there is one thing they can’t control – their families! Relatives are arriving from both sides of the ditch for the wedding, and reality is sinking in – and sinking fast. Will this international love story bring two strong cultures together? Or will it divide their families and countries, and blow Hera and Bila’s world apart?'

Source: Yirramboi Festival

'Wyatt and Nella are 16 and from the middle of nowhere. Wyatt’s in love with a girl who doesn’t love him back and Nella just wants to escape from the small town gossip. Enter Cuz. He’s just got out of jail and knows a good time when he sees one. Desperate to fit in, Wyatt tags along with Nella and Cuz and together they pile into Cuz’s ute headed one way for Sydney. Nella’s got her heart set on the big smoke and a whole new life, Cuz has other ideas and Wyatt can’t help thinking they should all just turn back now.' (Source: Ilbijerri Threatre Company website)