Widely regarded as Brian Friel’s masterpiece, New Theatre presents Dancing at Lughnasa from 21 April – 16 May 2026.
This semi-autobiographical memory play is a haunting and affectionate portrait of five unmarried sisters whose fierce spirit and resilience shine even as their world begins to change forever.
It’s the summer of 1936, during the pagan festival of Lughnasa, and young Michael watches his five aunts navigate the fragile joys and looming hardships of rural Irish life. Brief moments of freedom, hope, and love flicker through the household only to be threatened as economic pressures and family upheaval close in.
Isabella Milkovitsch heads this amazing team, in her New Theatre directing debut. However you may recognise her style, as she has previously worked with us as associate director on Shakespeare in Love (2024), and Banging Denmark (2023).
“The wonderful Artistic Director of the New, Louise Fischer, first introduced me to the script – it was the very first play she ever directed at New Theatre. That’s incredibly exciting, but of course a little daunting,” said Milkovitsch.
“I had that moment – I think everyone can recognise – where you begin reading a script and immediately your imagination soars, your eyes hungrily scan each page. The script actually grabs hold of you by the scruff of the neck and insists that you stage it.”
“My job is a joy when the writing is really good. Nostalgia is powerful, and our memories can feel sacred, but no matter how hard we try, we can’t stay there forever – and that’s no way to live.”
Isabella holds a First Class Honours degree in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Sydney and works as a freelance director across the independent theatre scene and in high schools. Isabella is also a Producer with Sport for Jove Theatre Company and has been selected for the 2026 Director’s stream of ATYP’s Fresh Ink+ Program.
Isabella’s directing credits include: BiPolar Express (Sydney Fringe), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (co-Directed alongside Damien Ryan), The Real Inspector Hound, Knock Knock and The Day the Internet Died (school production).
As an Assistant Director Isabella worked alongside Cristabel Sved on SFJ’s production of Betrayal and she has worked regularly at the New Theatre on shows such as Twelfth Night, Banging Denmark and Shakespeare in Love. Isabella independently produced Much Ado at Flight Path Theatre (Attractive, Not Model Attractive).
Isabella began her career as a Stage Manager; for Sport for Jove she stage managed Romeo and Juliet (tour), Macbeth (tour), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Summer Season) and Timon of Athens (Summer Season).
Louise Fischer is thrilled that Dancing at Lughnasa is returning to New Theatre after 23 years: “This magical and lyrical plays resonates more than ever as a play about women whose face challenges with strength and humour,” she said.
“The Mundy girls lives of drudgery and hidden desire are briefly interrupted by moments of joy and sometimes abandon when they dance on the stage and into our hearts. Isabella is the perfect choice to bring this masterpiece to life.”
“Her passion and understanding of the nuanced lyricism of the play will create such a bittersweet and joyful theatrical experience. The memory that still sticks vividly in my mind is the ending… but I won’t be providing a spoiler here, you will have to see for yourselves!” said Fischer.
Brian Friel(1929-2015) has been repeatedly recognised as one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century, penning over 30 works in his lifetime. Dancing at Lughnasa brought him 3 Tony Awards (including Best Play), the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. It was later adapted into a film by the same name, starring Meryl Streep.
“Exquisite… a finely crafted memory play… an exploration of nostalgia… the way we choose to reconstruct the past.” – The Guardian
Director: Isabella Milkovitsch | Featuring: Megan Bennetts, Audrey Blyde, Sebastian Gray, Marisa Hissey, Patrick Holman, Iris Simpson, James Sugrue, Tenielle Thompson | Choreographer: Avalon Ormiston | Set Designer: Max Shaw | Lighting Designer: Paris Bell | Costume Designer: Lily Moody | Sound Designer: Maddy Briggs | Dramaturg & Singing Coach: Naomi Belet | Assistant Director: Talia Benatar Stage Managers: Lawrence Kim, Ron Abuhalaiqa | Accent Coach: Benjamin Purser | Intimacy Consultant: Shondelle Pratt
Dancing at Lughnasa
New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown
Season: 23 April – 16 May 2026 (previews: 21 & 22 April)
Information and Bookings: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: New Theatre presents Dancing at Lughnasa – photo by © Canva Stock | everettovrk/Adobe Stock | Composition: Maddy Withington