Ahead of the quarterly event Autumn in the Glade at Gasworks Park on Saturday 14 March, Gasworks Creative Director Sam Strong celebrates the success of the Summer Season and reveals the second round of programming for Gasworks in its 40th anniversary year.
Autumn at Gasworks marks the beginning of a landmark three-year partnership with Short Black Opera – Gasworks’ first principal company in residence – and its Artistic Director Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO FAHA. Amongst many things, Short Black Opera will be developing and premiering the next generation of First Nations opera and classical music at Gasworks.
In Autumn, Gasworks also expands on its reputation for high quality family and school holiday programming. With The Riddle of Washpool Gully, the internationally acclaimed Dead Puppet Society presents the Victorian leg of their national tour.
This transformational show is for adults and children alike. It is mythic in its storytelling, magical in its craft, and magnetic in its charm. Dead Puppet Society will also run accompanying workshops for kids.
After the success of the expanded Queer Playwriting Award, Gasworks and Midsumma are excited to announce the 2026 winner and the next play to receive a full production. Anthony Nocera’s My Hair is Thinning is a new play about loss. Of hair. Of lovers. Of other things. Both judges and audience were wooed by the play’s distinctive combination of humour and heart.
“Gasworks is on a roll. We were thrilled that more than 2000 people turned out to Summer in the Glade: Carols; thrilled that we’ve sold out multiple events and packed out our new foyer and park; and thrilled and that we world-premiered not one but two full productions as part of the expanded Queer Playwriting Award with Midsumma,” said Sam Strong.
“The Autumn season at Gasworks builds on these powerful foundations. As a home for creativity, we’re so proud that Gasworks will now be a home for First Nations classical music and the national treasure that is Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO. As a home for family programming, we’re delighted to bring the delightful Dead Puppet Society to Melbourne audiences.”
“As a home for the next generation of stories and artists, we’re privileged to announce the winner of the next cycle of the Queer Playwriting Award. Anthony Nocera’s My Hair is Thinning spins comedy gold from personal tragedy, and we can’t wait to see it realised in a full production.”
“As a home for a uniquely wide range of artforms, we’re proud to host everything from architectural installations in our park, to circus showcases, to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.”
“And we’re especially proud to be continuing our successful new initiatives, with more independent artists being supported through Open Studio, and hosting the only Melbourne appearance of acclaimed Irish writer Niall Williams as the next instalment of our partnership with Sorrento Writers Festival and Avenue Bookstore,” said Strong.
For more information about what’s on at Gasworks, visit: www.gasworks.org.au for details.
Images: Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO FAHA – photo by Wayne Quilliam | The Riddle of Washpool Gully – photo by Daniel Boud