Based on Stanislaw Lem’s 1961 soviet science fiction novel of the same name, Malthouse Theatre, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Lyric Hammersmith London present the world-premiere season of Solaris in the Merlyn Theatre from 3 July 2019.
Within hours of arriving in orbit around the mercurial planet Solaris, Dr Kris Kelvin encounters evasive inhabitants, self-isolating scientists and the ghost of a lover who died long ago. Yes. Here, on the other side of the galaxy, Earth’s dead visit.
Above an uninhabitable world possessed by a powerful intelligence, the crew are sleepless and lost. They fight with the nature of the planet below, their mission, their own motivations, and the dark horrors of their past that haunt the space station. Could the planet itself be to blame?
Tarkovsky and Soderbergh have tackled Stanislaw Lem’s classic sci-fi novel on screen. Now, Malthouse Theatre’s Artistic Director, Matthew Lutton directs a script by master Scottish writer David Greig in this world-premiere thriller starring Australia and the UK’s most sought-after performers.
Harnessing the role of Dr Kris Kelvin, Leeanna Walsman (Wentworth, Safe Harbour) returns to Malthouse Theatre’s Merlyn stage following her successful Malthouse Theatre debut in Melancholia last year.
Keegan Joyce (Please Like Me, Rake) joins Malthouse Theatre for his debut role as Dr Kelvin’s long-lost love, Ray, alongside UK’s Fode Simbo as Snow and Jade Ogugua as Sartorius. Hugo Weaving joins the cast in a cinematic role, bringing to life the video diaries left by Dr Gibarian about the mysterious occurrences on Solaris station.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with an international team of theatremakers to bring Stanislaw Lem’s chilling story to the stage,” says Matthew Lutton. “It is an extraordinary story, full of the complexities of encountering different cultures, and a perpetual desire to both change and re-live our past.”
“It is a love story, a horror story, and a thriller, bound together on a space station. I can’t wait to work with this international team to bring it to life on stage,” added Lutton.
Director: Matthew Lutton Featuring: Keegan Joyce, Jade Ogugua, Fode Simbo, Leeanna Walsman, Hugo Weaving (video) Set & Costume Design: Hyemi Shin Lighting Design: Paul Jackson Sound Design & Composition: Jethro Woodward Stage Manager: Lyndie Li Wan Po Casting Director: Laura Donnelly Adaptation: David Greig (from Stanislaw Lem’s novel)
Solaris
Merlyn Theatre – The Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 3 – 21 July 2019 (previews: 29 June – 2 July)
Information and Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
Following the Melbourne season, Solaris will be presented at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh ( – and Lyric Hammersmith, London (10 October – 2 November).
Image: Solaris – photo by Zan Wimberley