SHOWCASE
The Showcase season is the beating heart of the Festival, presenting eight of the very best new plays hand-picked from across the country. With new works from our country’s best-loved writers, and new discoveries from the finest emerging talent, this is where to come to see what’s happening in Australian theatre. The Showcase season includes four plays which you can catch twice during the season, and four plays that are presented just once in a Late Night Session.
Wed 17 – Sat 20
Performance Space, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
Directors & Dramaturgs
Leticia Caceres, Susie Dee, Peter Evans, Julian Meyrick, Daniel Schlusser
Cast
Jada Alberts, Chris Betts, Peta Brady, Bille Brown, Nick Brown, Georgina Capper, Kaeng Chan, Sandro Colarelli, Catherine Davies, Michelle Fornasier, Ron Haddrick, Kevin Hides, Aimee Horne, Jodie Le Vesconte, Bryan Probets, Steven Rooke
A Beautiful Gesture by Ross Mueller
Wed 17 at 3pm and Fri 19 at 7pm
Ross Mueller (Concussion) returns to the National Play Festival with a delicate, vertiginous exploration of people connecting against a backdrop of terror… read more
Water Falling Down by Mark Swivel
Wed 17 at 5pm and Fri 19 at 4pm
This is a charming, poignant and closely observed portrait of a father and son, a warm and funny celebration of elusive moments of connection – and Mark’s first play in over 15 years… read more
Marzipan by Debra Oswald
Thu 18 at 3pm and Sat 20 at 7pm
Debra Oswald (Dags, Mr Bailey’s Minder, The Peach Season) writes with grace and humanity about real people in this life-affirming romantic comedy in which love and death are great partners… read more
War Crimes by Angela Betzien
Thu 18 at 5pm and Sat 20 at 4pm
A razor-sharp depiction of adolescence by one of our most exciting up-and-coming talents who continues to push the boundaries of theatre for young audiences… read more
LATE NIGHT SESSIONS
Late Night Sessions are performed once-only, giving you just one chance to catch these spectacular new plays. Each Late Night Session includes a free performance from the Bestest Play In Australia series… read more
19 Trains by Angus Cerini
Wed 17 at 8pm
Funny and acute, a play about endurance and the unlikely prospect of happiness from Melbourne actor and writer, Angus Cerini… read more
Book tickets for 19 Trains by Angus Cerini and join us at the Opening Night Party following the performance free of charge. Complimentary admission to the Opening Night Party is also available with any Late Night, Festival or Industry pass… read more
Student Body by Alana Valentine
Thu 18 at 8pm
Based on extensive interviews with international students, this is a provocative and theatrical study of learning and difference… read more
Tilt by Catherine McKinnon
Fri 19 at 9pm
A captivating and disturbing vision of the future, this play by novelist, playwright and director Catherine McKinnon is a theatrical puzzle for audiences to put together. … read more
The New Black by Robert Reid
Sat 20 at 9pm
Written with caustic wit and a wicked desire to ruin his characters’ lives, The New Black is a vicious laugh-out-loud modern urban comedy. … read more
TICKETS
Single ticket $20
Day Pass $50
Attend 3 Showcase sessions in a single day
Includes admission to the Bestest Play in Australia performance on the day
Day Passes for Wed 17 Feb include free admission to the Opening Night Party at 9pm
Late Night Pass $35
Attend all four Late Night Sessions
Valid only for performances on Wed 17 and Thu 18 Feb at 8pm and Fri 19 and Sat 20 Feb at 9pm
Includes all performances in the Bestest Play in Australia series plus free admission to the Opening Night Party on Wed 17 Feb
Festival Pass $90
Attend any session in the Showcase season
Includes all performances in the Bestest Play in Australia series plus free admission to the Opening Night Party on Wed 17 Feb
BOOKINGS
(07) 3872 9000
