Sydney Theatre Company tonight unveiled its 2019 Season – Kip Williams’ second as Artistic Director. It is a bold program of thirteen shows across four venues which will inspire, challenge and entertain audiences.
Among the highlights, Rebel Wilson, Mia Wasikowska, Celia Pacquola and Patrick Jhanur make their STC mainstage debuts, featuring alongside a host of STC audience favourites including Hugo Weaving, Pamela Rabe, Helen Thomson, Caroline Brazier, Michelle Lim Davidson, Zahra Newman, Amber McMahon, RahelRomahn, Hunter Page-Lochard, Geraldine Hakewill and Toby Schmitz.
Directors such as Sarah Goodes, Priscilla Jackman, Simon Phillips, Anne-Louise Sarks, Clare Watson as well STC’s own Kip Williams, Jessica Arthur (STC Directing Associate), Paige Rattray (STC Associate Director) and Imara Savage (STC Resident Director) will bring these shows to life. Fresh explorations of classics by Tom Stoppard, Louis Nowra, Oriel Gray and Tennessee Williams, are showcased next to international contemporary works by Lucy Kirkwood and Martin McDonagh, alongside exciting new Australian writing by Van Badham, Nakkiah Lui and Anchuli Felicia King.
With The Wharf enjoying a much-needed renovation, STC will welcoming audiences to the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, titanic feats of performance at Roslyn Packer Theatre, and fresh new work at Riverside Parramatta and The Studio, Sydney Opera House.
Speaking about the season, Artistic Director Kip Williams said:
“In 2018 our season looked at leadership and social responsibility in all its forms. In 2019 we continue this exploration with a series of stories that examine the various ways we battle for political power. We also bring the focus inward, examining perhaps the most personal political institution of all: the family. Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, sisters and brothers. It’s a look at how we live together, and the moral ambit of our society.
“The Season is jam-packed with your favourite artists breathing new life into work by some of the world’s best writers. Greats like Tennessee Williams and Tom Stoppard are joined by a cohort of innovative Australian playwrights with stories that reflect the world around us today.
“Sydney Theatre Company is the only place you can see the phenomenal Hugo Weaving and Pamela Rabe team up in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, whilst Nakkiah Lui follows her recent success with a new comedy that turns politics on its head with How to Rule the World. The wonderful Caroline Brazier and Helen Thomson go head to head in the royal drama Mary Stuart, and Anita Hegh and Mandy McElhinney make an extraordinary duo in Lucy Kirkwood’s latest hit, Mosquitoes.
“Two of Australia’s most exciting young screen actors return from America to make their main stage debuts at STC: we are thrilled to have international comedic force Rebel Wilson in the masterpiece The Beauty Queen of Leenane, and the acclaimed Mia Wasikowska in a new interpretation of Lord of the Flies.
“2019 will bring you lots of laughs, thought-provoking conversation and plenty to sink your teeth into.”
For more information on Sydney Theatre Company’s season for 2019 visit www.sydneytheatre.com.au