The La Boite Theatre Company's 2015 season not only celebrates their 90 years of existence, but also presents a fantastically diverse range of performances. Delving into the past and re-imaging classics, their New Year’s programme ensures all ages and tastes will be catered for.
Celebrating an anniversary as well as a housewarming, the new Artistic Director, Chris Kohn is welcomed to the La Boite party this season. Shaped by the enduring influence of inspiring women, and in 2015, women’s voices are as strong as ever. Three or four new commissions are by female playwrights and two of five Mainhouse shows are directed by women.
“We were a company of actors with no theatre we could afford to work in. So we found an old Queensland, knocked down the internal walls and used the timber to build seats on all four sides, making a stage in the centre. This was La Boite’s first home,” says life member of the theatre company, Muriel Watson (90).
The Wind In The WillowsThe year begins with a spirited one-man adaptation of 'The Wind In The Willows' starring Luke Carroll (‘Play School’, ‘Black Diggers’), 7-17 January. A truly enduring classic of children's literature, 'The Wind In The Willows' gently addresses some of the big questions about humanity, time and the value of friendship.
Benjamin Schostakowski's adaptation of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' transplants Shakespeare's lovers, fools and fairies from the wilderness of Athens to a nostalgia tinged suburban Australia. The strange, dark and hilarious production runs 7 Febuary-7 March.
SamsonThe world premier of 'Samson', an exploration of adolescence, love and loyalty set in a small Queensland town. Starring Ashleigh Cummings (‘Puberty Blues’), La Boite's former playwright in residence Julia-Rose Lewis has created a big-hearted, brutal and darkly beautiful play that offers a window into the lives of young Australians today, 17 April-2 May.
Acclaimed Australian playwright Suzie Miller's adaptation of Euripides' tragedy 'Medea' offers a fresh take on the ancient tale of betrayal and revenge, 30 May-20 June. With Christen O’Leary (‘Gloria’) and Helen Christinson (‘A Doll’s House’), fans of the story will be excited to see the young mistress present in this production. Starting in May and played in the round, it will be Chris Kohn's La Boite directorial debut.
MedeaRoald Dahl's ‘Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts’ is back by popular demand 4-11 July. Offering the legendary children's author's fantastically skewed take on classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes. These seriously funny and frightening tales aren’t just for the kids on school holidays.
Future D. Fidel drew on real life experience to write 'Prize Fighter', showing 5-26 September. The story follows a talented young Congolese boxer, orphaned by war and forced to become a child soldier. A La Bouite and Brisbane Festival co-production, the Roundhouse Theatre will be transformed into a boxing arena for this authentic high-impact journey from Africa to Australia and back.
Prize FighterAugust to November will be Indie season for La Boite, featuring four independent shows as original as they are wide-ranging. 'Maximum', a duet between a female contemporary dancer and male body builder is followed by surreal family drama 'Sunnytown'. Sci-Fi adventure 'The Motion Of Light In water' offers a stark contrast to the season's final production, 'The Chat' which provides an insight into the mind of criminals, ex-offenders and parole officers (and played by the real deals).
Celebrate 90 years of not acting your age with La Boite’s 2015 season.
