Antipodes Theatre Company announce 2020 season
Antipodes Theatre Company is pleased to announce its second year of programming in Melbourne, which features an Australian musical premiere as well as a Tony Award-winning play. Their 2020 Season will also include the continuation of programs focused on developing new work and supporting young artists.
From Artistic Director Brandon Pape: “This is our second ever season and first full year of programming for ATC, but we aren’t holding back. After receiving an incredible response from audiences and artists alike regarding our inaugural production of Ghost Quartet, we have the full confidence to tackle this ambitiously creative season and contribute a variety of storytelling styles, incredible talent, and thrilling entertainment to the Melbourne theatre landscape (and beyond).”
ATC will continue their bimonthly Ricochet Free Reading Series throughout 2020, featuring plays that have yet to be seen on Australian stages. For the first time, ATC is excited to welcome guest directors Jennifer Sarah Dean (Melbourne Shakespeare Company), Lauren McKenna (Puffs), and Sonya Suares (Sunday in the Park with George) who will each shape one instalment of the series. The final play in the reading series will be chosen from submissions and directed by Maude Davey (Gender Euphoria). According to Pape: “Developing new work is paramount to fulfilling ATC’s mission, and we are thrilled to have Maude Davey involved as part of the selection committee.” Writers are encouraged to send scripts to submissions@antipodestheatre.
In an effort to help young artists find their footing, ATC will introduce the ATC Drama Club in February, as well as a Youth Drama Camp in July. Other programs include the first ever Winter Development Workshop, which will see a handful of new works be supported through development initiatives over one week in June. ATC will also host a series of Mental Health Workshops led by Will Centurion, focused on helping artists manage issues such as performance anxiety, self-confidence issues, and career transitioning. Casting and dates will be announced shortly.
Antipodes Theatre Company (Brandon Pape, Artistic Director) seeks to provide a collaborative and inclusive environment for producing independent theatre in Melbourne. ATC strives for diversity in the workplace through a commitment to having at least 50% of all positions filled by women or people of color. Current company members include David Butler, Melissa David, Kristy Griffin, Chloe Towan, and Don Winsor.
ANTIPODES THEATRE COMPANY’S 2020 SEASON
Murder for Two A killer new musical comedy with music and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and book and lyrics by Kellen Blair
Australian Premiere
21-31 May, 2020 – Alex Theatre, St Kilda
In this hilarious whodunnit, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney. With the nearest detective an hour away, Officer Marcus Moscowicz jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills amidst an array of colourful suspects. Two performers play over a dozen roles (as well as the piano) in this witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries that the New York Times calls “an ingenious miniature musical in the form of a snazzy vaudevillian double-act.” Tickets on sale now at alextheatre.org.au.
The Humans By Stephen Karam
Victorian Premiere
Winner of the 2016 TONY Award for Best Play, finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
October 2020
The Blake family has gathered at the youngest daughter’s Manhattan apartment. Over the course of one evening, they grapple with aging, illness, and a changing economy as their family reunion slowly goes awry. “Absolutely, relentlessly gripping…rackingly funny even as it pummels the heart” (New York Magazine).
The Ricochet Reading Series, in collaboration with Alex Theatre, St. Kilda:
And She Would Stand Like This by Harrison David Rivers
Directed by Jennifer Sarah Dean
Monday 20 January
Greek tragedy meets Harlem ball culture in this fierce and fabulous new play, adapted from Euripides’ The Trojan Women and inspired by the seminal documentary Paris is Burning.
Moonshot by Noel Anderson
Monday 23 March
An epic Aussie adventure-fable about chasing childhood dreams, losing your identity, and choosing your family – all amidst discovering the American Lunar Landing.
Happily After Ever by Laura Zlatos
Directed by Lauren McKenna
Monday 22 June
When newlyweds Darren and Janet give birth to an intersex child, they debate whether to choose a gender for their child—all while competing with the perfect couple next door—in this hilarious battle of the sexes.
53% by Gregory Vines
Directed by Sonya Suares
Monday 20 July
As the 2020 US Presidential election will be heating up, we present Australian playwright Gregory Vines’ razor sharp dark comedy which finds Hillary Clinton and her staff preparing for the completion of her latest memoir.
Bumpwell Manor by Don Winsor
Monday 21 September
Melbourne-based actor and writer Don Winsor has concocted an over-the-top comedy delight that takes on class debates, rival feuds, and estate disputes in this Monty Python-meets-Downton Abbey send-up.
To Be Announced (chosen from submissions) Directed by Maude Davey
Monday 23 November
Winter Development Retreat
June 2020
Antipodes Theatre Company introduces their first ever development retreat for new work and bold ideas. From musicals and puppet shows to dance pieces and devised work, anything will be considered. This week-long retreat will provide support to writers, directors, and actors through workshops, readings, mentoring, and more. Anyone interested should send their script or idea to submissions@antipodestheatre.
Youth Drama Camp
July 2020
A week of acting, singing, and dancing with our team of professional instructors. Participants will play theatre games and learn big musical numbers that will be performed for family and friends on the final day. If you have a child under the age of 18 that may be interested, contact [email protected] for more information.
ATC Drama Club Led by Melissa David
Weekly beginning in February 2020
This ongoing seminar will focus on disciplines connected to performance (such as audition techniques, interpreting classical texts, and movement training) as well as explore topics related to overall well-being (such as mental health, time management, and setting personal goals). Guest instructors will be brought in periodically, and participants will also receive free or discounted tickets to local shows. For more information, visit antipodestheatre.com/drama-cl
Mental Health Workshops Led by Will Centurion
Throughout 2020
ATC will also host a series of workshops led by Will Centurion, a retired professional dancer, singer, and actor (credits include The Lion King, Aladdin and So You Think You Can Dance). Since graduating from the Australian College of Applied Psychology, Will now provides mental health services that target the needs of Australian performers. These workshops focus on managing issues such as performance anxiety, self-confidence issues, negative self talk, goal setting and career transitioning. More information and dates will be announced shortly.
