After a triumphant inaugural outing in the summer of 2020 / 2021, the Malthouse Outdoor Stage (MOS) – the large-scale, custom built amphitheatre in the beating heart of Melbourne’s contemporary arts precinct is returning this November.
“We’re bringing MOS back with an abundance of energy and celebration,” said Artistic Director and Co-CEO Matthew Lutton. “Livemusic, comedy, cabaret, made by Melbourne for Melbourne.”
“We’re getting ready to move back indoors, and we’re inviting everyone down to MOS to revel in the outdoors with something we’ve been denied for more than 280 days; live performers!”
Returning to Malthouse Outdoor Stage after sell-out performances in summer this year, 2021 ARIA nominated soul-rhythm combo Emma Donovan & The Putbacks will reignite the stage with powerhouse impassioned vocals, and raw transcendent sound in the first event of the summer calendar on Saturday 20 November.
National treasure, award-winning actor, Aboriginal elder and activist Uncle Jack Charles will share his colourful life and brilliant career, in an evening of truth, love, laughter and legendary storytelling. Namila Benson, presenter of ABC’s Art Works, will interview Jack for one night only, alongside some special guests, on Sunday 21 November.
Some of Australia’s finest soul vocalists and songwriters will unite in Women of Soul to celebrate 10 years of collaboration across two evenings on Friday 26 & Saturday 27 November.
Kylie Auldist, Thando, Rita Satch and Chelsea Wilson will be joined on Friday by Laura Ingram, Emilia Schnall, and Nkechi Anele and on Saturday by Carla Troiano, Stella Angelico, and Candice Monique for a powerful evening of sweet soul, empowering anthems, gritty funk, boogie and heart wrenching ballads – with Monique Boggia (keys), Audrey Powne (trumpet), Alex Roper (Drums), Sorcha Albuquerque (guitar), Ann Metry (bass) and Kellie Santin (Saxophone).
Writer, performer and limbo champion Ash Flanders will bring Zenya Carmellotti, Will Conyers and Natalie Gamsu down to his level in a medley of maritime mayhem, S.S. Metaphor. Directed by Sarah Giles, S.S. Metaphor is the first Malthouse Theatre production on MOS and it will have its world premiere on 5 December.
Set aboard the luxury cruise liner the S.S. Metaphor, this glittering ode to freedom, adventure and endless possibility has been stuck at sea for over a year, but audience members are encouraged to ignore the troubles below deck, sip a mai tai, kick up their heels, and allow the liner’s world-class cabaret duo Cruise Control to croon their cares away as disaster unfolds.
The Malthouse Theatre will announce its first productions for 2022 on 24 November 2021. For more information about the Malthouse Outdoor Stage, visit: www.malthousetheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Malthouse Outdoor Stage (supplied)