Riverside's National Theatre Of Parramatta (NTofP) is kissing 2020 goodbye and preparing to present a bold 2021 programme.
The works in the programme will feature fresh new voices, works that speak to our times and to audiences, and draw inspiration from the community to represent it on stage.
As part of Sydney Festival in January, the theatre will present the world premiere of James Elazzi's 'Queen Fatima', directed by Paige Rattray. It's about a baker's daughter with a boyfriend who doesn't want to be seen with her – she enters Queen Lebanon Australia to be seen as 'blessed' by society. It's an empowering, heartwarming comedy.
Then, also as part of Sydney Festival is True West, a micro play festival in celebration of western Sydney playwrights. The programme features readings of 'Myths And Legends' and 'CAPTAIN', as well as a 'Creative Compass' panel about theatre in the west and an online solo performance by Rhum and Clay.
Western Sydney gets more spotlight in March with an independent Launchpad season featuring a double bill of fresh, emerging voices. It includes the 'Sorry Mum' Project by Pippa Ellams and the world premiere of 'Let Me Know When You Get Home' by Miranda Aguilara.
'Guards Of The Taj' - Image © Shashank Sahay
A live-action interactive video game 'Zombie Thoughts' will arrive in May, from Jennifer Kokai and then 11-year-old playwright Oliver Kokai-Means, directed by Warwick Doddrell.
In the second half of the year, NTofP present a co-production with Griffin Theatre Company in 'Orange Thrower'. It's a quintessential coming-of-age story by Kirsty Mariller.
Anchuli Felicia King's landmark 2019 sold-out hit 'White Pearl' will return for a strictly limited season in September – a co-production with Sydney Theatre Company which is a portrait of toxic corporate culture, casual racism and pan-Asian relationships.
Then, to round out the year will be Rajiv Joseph's (Pulitzer Prize finalist) 'Guards At The Taj', exploring beauty and power, autocracy and resistance, and conflicting loyalties.
"After a crazy year, one thing that has held many of us together are our families and friends, finding humour in dark places and being true to ourselves," NTofP Executive Producer Joanne Kee says. "This season explores the complexity of family relationships, finding yourself and finding out where you fit in your tribe."
