Melbourne Theatre Company’s new production of Seventeen, a fun and poignant exploration of the complexities of youth evoking the inner teen in all of us, begins preview performances from Monday 15 January, marking the first performance of its 2024 season.
Written by Matthew Whittet, Seventeen follows six teens, played by an ensemble of legendary Australian actors, assembled at the local park on the final day of high school to celebrate the great unknown that is their future.
A wild night of drinking, wilder dancing, regrettable pashes and jaw-dropping confessions, Seventeen perfectly captures the rawness and vulnerability of youth conveyed by veteran actors who offer hope and tender hindsight to their adolescent characters.
Set to a soundtrack of infectious contemporary bangers and played out on a visually stunning 11m revolving playground, you’ll be drawn into the inner lives of these playful characters. Hilarious and moving, Seventeen reminds us that growing up is more than just swings and roundabouts.
An ensemble of Australians stars of stage and screen including Fiona Choi, Robert Menzies, Genevieve Picot, Richard Piper, Pamela Rabe and George Shevtsov offer the perfect juxtaposition between their generational experience and their playful teenage characters on stage.
“Seventeen is a play about the drama of arriving at adulthood, and growing up and letting go,” says Melbourne Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Anne-Louise Sarks.
“It’s a universal story about connection that celebrates the transformative power of theatre to speak across generations. Full of joy and silliness, Seventeen is the perfect, playful start to Season 2024.”
Director: Matt Edgerton | Featuring: Fiona Choi, Robert Menzies, Genevieve Picot, Richard Piper, Pamela Rabe, George Shevtsov | Set & Costume Designer: Christina Smith | Lighting Designer: Paul Jackson | Composer & Sound Designer: Joe Paradise Lui | Movement Director: Vincent Crowley | Assistant Director: Tasnim Hossain | Intimacy Coordinator: Amy Cater | Writer: Matthew Whittet
Seventeen
Southbank Theatre – The Sumner, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season: 19 January – 17 February 2024 (previews: 15 – 18 January)
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au
Image: Robert Menzies, Richard Piper, Fiona Choi and Genevieve Picot in rehearsal for Seventeen – photo by Charlie Kinross