The next generation of theatre-makers on show at NIDA

NIDA The OlympiansPresenting an eclectic mix of works that features a world premiere, two Shakespearean classics and two renowned international pieces – each featuring an all-student cast and crew, led by an accomplished guest director, the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) presents its annual June production season.

The premiere of The Olympians, a new work by NIDA’s Head of Writing for Performance Stephen Sewell, spearheads the production season. Former Head of Acting Jeff Janisheski returns to NIDA to direct this production that is set on the last night of the world’s biggest sporting event – The Olympic Games.

With a stadium-like set and glossy façade, this feisty production captures a moment in time when all the tensions, jealousies and general relief finally explode in an exuberant burst of madness and frivolity during the Australian Muck-Up Party.

“It is a real thrill to return to NIDA to direct this group of talented third-year students and work again with Stephen Sewell,” said Mr Janisheski. “After the success of our first collaboration, we decided to create another piece: the result is The Olympians – a show that uses the prism of the Olympics Games in Rio to examine the themes: power, oppression and national identity, with a wild and wicked sense of humour.”

Directed by Playwriting Australia Associate Artist Iain Sinclair, the first of the classical productions is a unique take on the popular, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Inspired by the surrealist work of David Lynch and featuring ghostly puppetry elements, this is a darkly comic tale of magic, deceit and above all, love.

Marius von Mayenburg’s Eldorado explores a dystopian future in which a bourgeois world teeters on the edge of an abyss, while violence and bloodshed rages all around. Directed by NIDA graduate Imara Savage, this provocative production is about how we bunker down and seek to cement our privilege and wealth, whilst others are buried beneath the rubble. It’s about what we sacrifice of ourselves in the search for Eldorado – the fabled city of lost gold.

Part thriller, part Greek tragedy, Wadji Mouawad’s Scorched is a heartbreaking journey that follows two siblings as they attempt to unravel the mystery of their deceased mother’s life. Directed by Sydney Theatre Company’s current co-Resident Director, Sarah Goodes, Scorched explores the importance of one’s history and the brutal yet beautiful nature of family.

Completing the June production season, Belvoir Artistic Associate Tom Wright directs Twelfth Night – a play about losing your identity and finding it again – dressed as someone else, this production follows a sister and brother as they find their way home from a dream of unrequited love, mistaken identity and adventure. With the pain of love at the centre, Shakespeare’s comedy delves into the darkness of humanity, where cruelty lies close to joy.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream**
Playhouse – NIDA Theatres, Anzac Parade, Kensington (Sydney)
Season: 7 – 15 June 2016

Twelfth Night**
Atrium – NIDA Theatres, Anzac Parade, Kensington (Sydney)
Season: 7 – 15 June 2016

The Olympians*
Parade Theatre – NIDA Theatres, Anzac Parade, Kensington (Sydney)
Season: 11 – 18 June 2016

Eldorado*
Space – NIDA Theatres, Anzac Parade, Kensington (Sydney)
Season: 11 – 18 June 2016

Scorched*
Studio Theatre – NIDA Theatres, Anzac Parade, Kensington (Sydney)
Season: 14 – 20 June 2016

For more information and bookings, visit: www.nida.edu.au for details.

Image: The Olympians – courtesy of NIDA

* Featuring NIDA graduating Acting, Costume, Design, Production, Properties and Staging students.
** Featuring NIDA second year Acting students and graduating Costume, Design, Production, Properties and Staging students.