A bold exploration of influencer culture, intersectional feminism, and the unfiltered truths about our evolving relationship with money, whiteness, and liberation in 21st-century capitalism, Purple Tape Productions and Empty Seat Theatre presents werkaholics by Vivian Nguyen in the Downstairs Theatre – Belvoir St Theatre from 29 July 2025.
Australia’s latest it-girl, Lilian, and her struggling actor best friend, Jillian, thrive on clean-girl aesthetics and dreams of stardom. But when cultural zeitgeist icon Unmoi threatens Lilian’s Instagram empire, she finds herself on the brink of cancellation. With Jillian by her side, it’s them and manifestation versus the world – or so Lilian thinks.
As Lilian and Jillian navigate the ruthless demands of digital fame, mounting debt, and a shifting social landscape, Lilian is forced to decide what matters most: her dreams of fame or her best friend?
A hyper-pop interrogation of modern conundrums, werkaholics is an absurdist and comedic take on digital hysteria.
Director: Nicole Pingon | Featuring: Georgia Oom, Shirong Wu, Ruby Duncan | Assistant Director: Rachel Seeto | Dramaturg: Zack Lewin | Lighting Designer: Frankie Clarke | Sound Designer: Christine Pan | Set and Costume Designer: Ruby Jenkins | Digital Artist: Harrison Hall | Video Designer: Daniel Herten | Fight Choreographer: Diego Retamales | Intimacy Coordinator: Shondelle Pratt | Playwright: Vivian Nguyen
werkaholics
Downstairs Theatre – Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season: 29 July – 17 August 2025
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Image: Purple Tape Productions and Empty Seat Theatre presents werkaholics – photo by Lucy Wylie