Melbourne Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Destiny – a thrilling and transportive new Australian work set against the canvas of world-changing events in South Africa.
Directed by Zindzi Okenyo (Is God Is), brought to life by award-winning playwright and actor Kirsty Marillier (Orange Thrower); this moving ensemble drama takes to Southbank Theatre, The Sumner this August for a strictly limited season.
Destiny is an intimate story of love, loyalty and self-discovery. Engaging and nuanced, it deftly captures the feelings of a generation standing on the edge of change during apartheid in January 1976.
“I’m so excited to bring Destiny to audiences, a work that reminds us that the past is always with us and that the stories we tell – stories about family, love and survival – can shape how we see our future,” says Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director & Co-CEO Anne-Louise Sarks. “This work beautifully captures a family charged with political tension and the sparks of a revolution”.
At the heart of the story is Della (played by Kirsty Marillier), a young woman doing everything she can to hold fractured family together; keeping her restless young brother Rocky (Gaz Dutlow) out of trouble and her father (Patrick Williams) on the straight and narrow. But when her former lover Ezra (Barry Conrad) storms back into life along with new ideas and radical thinking, Della is forced to confront both her past and her future.
Kirsty Marillier is fast becoming one of the most exciting voices in contemporary Australian theatre. South African born and WAAPA-trained, her writing blends humour, lyricism and emotional depth. Her breakout work Orange Thrower was a critical hit – earning the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award and the Nick Enright Prize at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards – celebrated for its fresh energy and distinctive voice.
Commissioned and developed through MTC’s landmark NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program with the support of the Playwrights Giving Circle, Destiny marks Kirsty Marillier’s debut with Melbourne Theatre Company.
The production features a dynamic cast, including Clare Chihambakwe (Is God Is), Barry Conrad (Neighbours), Gaz Dutlow (Neighbours), John Shearman (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and Patrick Williams (Is God Is).
The creative team includes: Zindzi Okenyo (Director), Kirsty Marillier (Writer), Sophie Woodward (Set & Costume Designer), Kelsey Lee (Lighting Designer), Kelly Ryall (Composer & Sound Designer), Amy Cater (Intimacy Coordinator), Matt Furlani (Voice Coach), Morne Steyn (Accent Coach), Linnea Tengroth (Assistant Director), Silvia Shao (Assistant Set & Costume Designer).
Destiny
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season continues to 13 September 2025
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au
Image: Kirsty Marillier and Barry Conrad to star in Destiny – courtesy of Melbourne Theatre Company