Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) has announced its Season 2019, comprising three Australian premieres and a newly commissioned work. In its fourth year of bringing powerful and inspiring works to the stage, the NTofP program focuses on identity and celebrates diversity.
In 2019, NTofP presents the productions Grounded by George Brant, Girl in the Machine by Stef Smith, Comedy of Errors adapted by Hilary Bell and White Pearl by Anchuli Felicia King – a co-production with Sydney Theatre Company.
“We’re so excited by this season. Theatre has the capacity to throw a mirror on world issues and then to explore the more personal and intimate with worlds within the worlds we live in,” said NTofP Executive Producer Joanne Kee. “Our plays explore the human psyche and behaviour, how love changes our perceptions, and the unanticipated consequences of new technologies in our society.”
“Our plays run the gamut with comedy and sharp observations of actions motivated by sex, obsession and greed, yet they are counterbalanced by love and humanity, and of course, at the same time, we run true to our core philosophy of putting the nation on stage.”
Launching the program in March will be the powerful and compelling thriller of a play, Grounded. The story follows an ace fighter pilot whose career in the sky changes to ‘Chairforce’ due to an unexpected pregnancy. An acclaimed work, Grounded has won multiple awards internationally including the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Play in 2016 and the Theatre Netto Festival Prize in 2015.
In June, NTofP will present the Australian-premiere, Girl in the Machine – a gripping story about love, humanity and the intrusiveness of technology. Set in a dystopian future, the play questions whether love is enough in this brave new world, and asks the ultimate question – Do you want to live forever?
Hilary Bell has written a delightful adaptation of Shakespeare’s words for children age seven plus that will take to the Riverside stage in September. This new work, Comedy of Errors, is a glorious funny theatrical experience which explores two cities, two sets of twins, love and death, mistaken identity and identity theft.
Rounding out the 2019 program in October and November will be an Australian premiere and NTofP’s first co-production with Sydney Theatre Company, White Pearl. This sassy and bitingly hilarious work provides an entertaining portrait of toxic corporate culture, casual racism and the complexity of pan-Asian relations.
“All of us at Riverside are delighted with the achievements of NTofP to date,” said Robert Love, Director of Riverside Theatres. “After three years, Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta is now a feature of Riverside’s program and it is on course for further and sustainable growth.”
For more information, visit: www.riversideparramatta.com.au for details
Image: Bilal Hafda stars in Comedy of Errors – courtesy of National Theatre of Parramatta