Throughout 2022, Melbourne's Theatre Works will present 50 productions, 8 works in development, 7 artist development programmes, 7 festival seasons and 1 new multi-purpose artist space.
After nearly two years of lockdowns, cancellations, funding cuts and uncertainty, Theatre Works will return and, from January, also act as a vibrant hub for five festivals in the first three months of the year: Mullet Festival, Midsumma, First Stories, Radical Acts Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Also, the new Explosives Factory, located around the corner from Theatre Works, will act as a year-round rehearsal spot, a 60-seat venue during festivals, and also a place to house new programmes and smaller, more intimate shows.
“We want to be there from the start and be an integral part of the evolution of the artist and the development of their work,” Theatre Works Executive Director Dianne Toulson says.
Mullet Festival
“We haven’t been cautious about going big and bold in 2022. We are better resourced and focused than we have ever been and this will be reflected in what can only be described as a massively diverse and eclectic year. It’s not a recovery year for us – while there are productions that have been reprogrammed, it will be a year of exciting shows providing a myriad of outcomes for artists.”
Shows throughout 2022 include 'Betty', a harrowing tale of a mother's unresolved traumatic childhood; 'The Darkening Sky', a contemporary neo-noir thriller set in Melbourne's inner suburbs; 'When The Rain Stops Falling', exploring betrayal, abandonment, destruction, forgiveness and love; 'Owl And The Albatross', a love letter from queer young adults who missed out on seeing their stories growing up; 'Senser', an exploration of the consequences of morality; and more.
'Senser'
That's just a snippet of the mainstage programme – there are also a host of shows being presented as part of the festivals at Theatre Works, so there's something for everyone to take in.
“We firmly hold our place in the eco system as a unique producer of independent work. Artists and the arts have struggled so much over the past two years so we’re keenly aware that what we do in 2022 will feed the future of theatre across Australia, supporting the recovery of an industry that has been decimated by the lack of vision and investment by governments,” Dianne Toulson says.
Theatre Works' 2022 programme begins with Mullet Festival in January.
