Despite its diminutive size, with the Stables theatre holding only 150 seats, the Griffin Theatre Company is regarded as one of the major theatre companies in Sydney.
This Company punches well above its weight in that it not only has its main season but also has special extras, hosts the Batch Festival and has a special association with the Australian Theatre For Young People.
Once again because of its tiny state the 2019 season launch was held at the more capacious Giant Dwarf Theatre.
A packed crowd of benefactors, subscribers and actors were at the Giant Dwarf to hear Artistic Director Lee Lewis announces the line-up for next year. It is as follows – Dead Cat Bounce by Mary Rachel Brown which runs from 22nd February to 6th April, Prima Facie by Suzie Miller 17th May to 22nd June, City Of Gold by Meyne Wyatt from 26th July to 31st August, Splinter by Hilary Bell from 6th September to 12th October and First Love Is The Revolution by Rita Kalnejis from 1st November to 14th December. What is very impressiveh about this season is that not only are they all Australian plays but but bar one they are all new plays.
The Specials Extra program comprises Since Ali Died, written and performed by Omar Musa, from 8th to 19th January, Love and Anger created and performed by Betty Grumble from 21st to 16th January, Exhale created and performed by Ayeesha Ash and Emele Ugavule from 9th to 13th April, The Happy Prince by Little Ones Theatre from 27th June to 6th July, and Glittery Clittery by Fringe Wives Club from 9th to 20th July.
The cabaret themed Batch Festival will run from the 26th April to the 17th May.
ATYP at Griffin will present two plays – Intersection 2019 : Arrival by the 2018 National Studio Writers which run from the 2nd to the 16th February and April Aardvark by Nathaniel Moncrieff which runs from 19th to 26th October.
Every couple of months Griffin Up Late will bring together a collection of late night singers, comedians, spoken word artists and storytellers for a post show session at the Stables.
Two young playwrights have been awarded scholarships via the Griffin’s creative programs. They are Emily Havea and Tasnim Hossain.
http://www.griffintheatre.com.au
Featured image – Kate Mulvany, Hamish Michael and Lee Lewis. Pics by Ben Apfelbaum