Queensland Theatre presents a joyful selection of plays in 2023, each designed to bring the community together in the name of entertainment.
There will be productions by new and seasoned playwrights, spanning a wide range of stories.
“Our 2023 season promises moments of wild surprise, radical hope, intriguing gentleness, bliss, joy, spiritual wonder, and the warmth of being with a community of people who all love sharing great stories,” Artistic Director Lee Lewis says.
“After the speed bumps of the last two years, we’re putting our foot down on the pedal and are heading towards that light at the end of the tunnel — a huge season of inspiring plays.”
Kicking things off is David Williamson’s ‘Family Values’, directed by Lee Lewis and starring Peter Kowitz. The play tackles controversial issues with heated family gathering tension.
Academy Award nominee Nia Vandals brings vulnerability, authenticity and candour to the stage with ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ with Mandy McElhinny in the lead role. It follows Cheryl, a mother, writer and ex-heroin user who now spends her days offering strangers advice through her online identity.
Nathan Maynard’s ‘At What Cost?’ expertly explores themes of identity through the eyes of Tasmania’s First Nations community. Meanwhile, esteemed Shakespearean director Damian Ryan brings a contemporary twist to ‘As You Like It’.
After a flood damage delay, Qui Nquyen’s ‘Vietgone’ will finally open, rounding out the season with bucketloads of actions and a good pinch of fun. It follows protagonists Quang and Tong who have been evacuated from the Vietnam war and travel through the dusty heart of America.
Another casualty of the flood damage is Hannah Belanszky’s ‘don’t ask what the bird look like’, and will also be given the spotlight in August. The story traverses themes of heritage and reconnection with subtle humour, following city girl Joan’s journey into the remote Australian outback in search of answers about the past.
Ryan Enniss’ ‘Drizzle Boy’ depicts like and love through the eyes of an autistic protagonist, navigating a world which can never truly understand him.
Offering both cheer and warm humour is Melanie Tait’s ‘The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race’. It takes audiences straight to the heart of rural Australia, following the lives local women Dr Penny, Nikki, Barb and Bev. It shows that when women work together and are determined, extraordinary things can happen.
“A stellar line-up of performers, artists and creatives is set to bring Queensland Theatre’s 2023 season to the stage,” Minister For The Arts, Leeanne Enoch says, “presenting thought-provoking works including ‘At What Cost?’, a groundbreaking story of identity, truth and Country, and the world premieres of ‘don’t ask what the bird look like’ from an exciting new First Nations voice, Hannah Belanszky, as well as Ryan Enniss’ ‘Drizzle Boy’, winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2022-23.”
“As Queensland Theatre’s 2022 season draws to a close, we reflect on the dynamic, diverse, and authentic drama we’ve provided our audiences — often despite challenges thrown our way with flooding and COVID infections. 2022 has been a wild ride (both on stage and off!) and we can’t wait to leave that behind and delve into the delicious stories we’ve curated for our coming season,” Lee Lewis says.
“We’re bringing space travel, balloons, shepherds, ninjas, great love, cups of tea, ghosts, cowboys, samosas, mysteries, school lunches and deep friendships. These plays are created by directors who love using their theatre magic to ensure you never want to look away. . . We aim to put many smiles on your faces!”
Queensland Theatre’s 2023 season begins with ‘Family Values’ from 28 January.
