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Playlab Theatre

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25.01.2022 Something's cooking in the recording studio... Wonder what we are doing? Stay up to date with Playlab Theatre and get exclusive updates on our productions, programs, publications and creative developments here: https://bit.ly/2L3oWb1 Massive shout out to Anna Yen, Therese Collie and Guy Webster for kicking off this project!

25.01.2022 They say language is the roadmap to its culture and we are thrilled to be releasing these two new bilingual titles 'Magpie' by Elise Greig and 'The Age of Bones (Zaman Belulang) by Sandra Thibodeaux that celebrates the rich diversity of Australian culture. 'Magpie' by Elise Greig is in English and Romani: https://bit.ly/2CxGjwB 'The Age of Bones' is in English and Bahasa Indonesia: https://bit.ly/3fuwE8v... Shoutout to Kadek Krishna Adadharma for translating 'The Age of Bones'!

24.01.2022 Our friends at La Boite Theatre Company have launched their annual skills development program, Assembly, which is now open to apply! During the six-week program, participants will collaborate with like-minded peers, create and develop a new work, and learn from industry professionals. Suitable for emerging directors, actors and writers aged 18+. Find out more about the program in their original post below!

24.01.2022 Here's another chance to win a double pass to 'Horizon'! Check out Shock Therapy Productions post on how to win. Competition ends Sat 22 May. -- 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor opens at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Wed 19 May - Sat 29 May. Book your tickets now! : https://bit.ly/3jRqqRq

24.01.2022 Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift? How about a pair of tickets to Horizon by Maxine Mellor! Ticketing link available in the post below. Season Dates: Wed 19 May Sat 29 May Location: Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse --... Season pass to all three Playlab Theatre 2021 productions is also available! Link in comment section below. See more

24.01.2022 Since August last year we have been working closely with playwright Anna Yen in a rigorous and long-term development of the extraordinary play 'Slow Boat'. Throughout this process, the work has gone through continual in-depth dramaturgy, and creative developments. We've asked Anna to share her thoughts on this development process with Playlab Theatre and her inspiration for writing 'Slow Boat'. Here's what she has to say: "Slow Boats creative developments have built on each ...other from the first development creating its style and form (physical theatre, circus, improved Cantonese Opera and song); to investigating characters journeys; to testing an alternate dramatic structure; to the recent QPAC and Playlab Theatre supported Script Development, which honed the narrative structure and text. 'Slow Boat' is now ship-shape. I was inspired to write 'Slow Boat' after discovering that my father had been hurriedly evacuated from Nauru to Brisbane during World War II with 600 other Chinese indentured labourers, then sent straight to Central Australia by the Australian Government to mining wolfram for the war-effort, then built boats on Bulimba for US General Macarthur until the end of the war. The biggest inspiration was learning that these men performed concerts for each other every step of the way to build community and keep up their spirits. So Ive set 'Slow Boat' at a fictitious concert at the end of WWII, where the men perform their story, but internal rifts between the men threaten to derail the show."

23.01.2022 We've checked in with one of the playwrights from Alpha Processing Sean Dowling. Here's what he has to say about writing his new draft of 'Quarehawk'. I like hard questions. I like not having a snappy answer or a pithy response. It sets my mind to working. Playing out all the pathways, all the avenues, the laneways and back streets of possibilities. And there you find the bridges, the shortcuts, the dead ends. Hard questions reduce your ability to hide behind weak choices. And every time the good people at Playlab ask me a question I dont yet have an answer for I know it makes me a better writer. Sean Dowling is one of Playlab Theatres 2020 Alpha Processing participants with his new work 'Quarehawk'. Find out more about 'Quarehawk' here: https://bit.ly/2uOpbPH

22.01.2022 Merlynn has received her latest publication 'Antigone' in the post! 'Antigone' by Merlynn Tong is an lyrical adaption of Sophocles' mythical classic and is available as a hard copy publication. Find out more about the publication here: https://bit.ly/3aS1CWR

21.01.2022 We have six new First Nations playwrights with different perspectives, narratives and stories. We cant wait for ideas and conversations to spark, here is what the playwrights have to say about the program before they embark on their playwriting journey.

21.01.2022 'Gummy smiles. Mascara stained sheets. The smell of burnt bras. That feeling you get when your left nipple intimidates your right nipple.' The two former Incubator playwrights, Madeleine Border (2020) and Honor Webster-Mannison's (2019) newly published play, 'Sometimes it's Hot Like the Sun' is now available as part of our Playlab Indie collection! Find out more about the publication here: https://bit.ly/2KuiOIs -- Can't get enough of their works? Did you know Madeleine Borde...r is also one of the five commissioned playwrights of Playlab Theatre's upcoming production 'Rising'. Find out more about the production here: https://bit.ly/2KnKNcY Tickets to are on sale: https://metroarts.com.au/rising/

21.01.2022 It's pedal to the metal! The creatives and cast are preparing for the first preview of 'Horizon' tonight Book your tickets to see 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor now! Season runs from Wed 19 May - Sat 29 May, strap in because you're in for a wild ride. : https://bit.ly/3jRqqRq

21.01.2022 Shock Therapy Productions 'Undertow' is an honest and powerful play that look at the hidden forces, beneath the surface that move us and determine the choices we make and the actions we take. You can check out the promotional trailer of 'Undertow' in the original post below. Use code 'undertowstp20' at checkout and receive a 20% off the newly released publication. (Promotion ends Sun 27 Sep).

20.01.2022 Right now we would have been in the middle of rehearsals for the return season of 'Blue Bones' by Merlynn Tong, preparing to transport audiences to the bustling streets of Singapore through the true story of two teenagers' romance that's caught in a whirlwind of love and sex, violence and courage. But worry not! 'Blue Bones' will be returning to the stage in 2021 when it's safe for everyone to enjoy the intimacy of theatre again.

20.01.2022 "Maxine Mellor’s 'Horizon' is an intense experience not the type of show to be enjoyed so much as provoked by. [...] Under Ian Lawson’s direction, it is a thrilling ride not for the faint of heart, but rather those who like their drama with a bit of terror because once you’ve seen one monster, you see them everywhere." Meredith Walker, Blue Curtains Brisbane We're here for a good time, not a long time. 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor runs until Sat 29 May in the Underground Theatre at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Get your tickets now! : https://bit.ly/3jRqqRq

20.01.2022 Through production, development, and publication weve been privileged to work with many tremendous artists whos passion, activism, and knowledge has been inspirational in the fight against climate change and the march toward a more sustainable and thoughtful future. We believe strongly that the time for in-action is long over and we have been honoured to be able to provide a platform for this urgent discussion. We look forward to continuing this through 2020 and into 2021 a...s we work to advance the careers of an exciting group of emerging female playwrights through our 'Rising commission. 'Rising' is an eco-feminist response to Australia's socio-political position in the Oceanic region and addresses our changing relationship with our neighbouring nations. It is an urgent and honest investigation of the values we have been promoting in the pacific, due to our government's opposition to addressing the climate crisis, our endless pursuit of unlimited growth through unfettered capitalism, and the ongoing influence of our colonial past.

19.01.2022 It's been a long journey but the road trip of the year kicks off tonight. A huge congratulations goes out to the whole 'Horizon' team. This work is a technically and physically demanding behemoth and every single one of these artists has risen to the challenge and delivered at every turn. Chookas everyone, have a great opening night ... 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor runs in the Underground Theatre until Sat 29 May, go book your tickets now! : https://bit.ly/3jRqqRq

19.01.2022 Congratulations to Shock Therapy Productions on their brand new release! We would love for the unboxing video of 'Undertow' to go 'Viral' (yep, pun intended) More information on 'Undertow' and 'Viral' by Hayden Jones and Sam Foster can be found here: http://bit.ly/2Etregw

16.01.2022 We know Lachlan Philpott to be a wonderfully complex, insightful and provocative playwright, and we have seen this through his various published works such as 'Bison', 'Colder', 'The Chosen', 'Bustown' and 'The Pineapple War'. 'Lost Boys and promiscuous/cities' are powerful and raw stories spanning queer communities from Australia and abroad, and we can't be more delighted to be able to share his plays with you. Massive shout out to Drew Connor Holland (Represented by Jan Murphy Gallery, Brisbane) for the cover art.

16.01.2022 The Sparks playwrights have had their very first workshop last week. We are thrilled by their ideas and cant wait for these stories to develop! Throughout the program, these First Nations playwrights will be led through a series of workshops and activities that is designed to spark ideas, introduce elements of craft and provide strategies for activating brand new script ideas. Sparks will burn brightly to its conclusion with a public reading of an extract from each of the developing new works, featuring professional actors and directors in 2021.

15.01.2022 Please join us for Part One of Dear Australia, streaming to Facebook tonight from 7pm (AEST). Over three nights, 50 Australian playwrights tell fearless and inspiring stories of where our nation is and where it might go. These are postcards to Dear Australia, and are recorded by 50 extraordinary actors, many in their own homes. Part One runs for just under 90 mins, including a short break. Click 'Get Reminder' to be notified when this stream begins.... For more information, visit: http://www.pwa.org.au/2020-pr/for-our-nation-dear-australia Warning: Some stories in Part One contain strong language, sexual references and adult themes, including references to miscarriage and suicide, and may be unsuitable for some audiences. If any of these stories raise concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or visit The Arts Wellbeing Collective: https://www.artswellbeingcollective.com.au/get-help/

15.01.2022 A little preview on Kathryn Marquet's monologue with John Batchelor on 'Dear Australia' today, live streaming into your homes at 7pm (AEST). "It starts with them telling us to eat more vegetables. And, slowly, like a chook in boiling water, it ends with the police state". Covid-19 -- just like SARS, Swine Flu, HIV, and TB before it, to name a few -- is the direct result of humanity's destruction and disregard for animal life. The cruel reality of factory farming is significa...ntly increasing the number of diseases crossing the human divide. The growing mistrust in science and expert-knowledge, and the popularity of nationalism are other plagues spreading across the western world, making it far more difficult to address the urgent disasters awaiting humanity if we continue to abuse and ignore the planet and its creatures. Dear Australia, give us meat or give us death? Careful what you wish for. -- Please join us for Part Two of Dear Australia, streaming to Facebook from 7pm (AEST) Friday 3 July. Over three nights, 50 Australian playwrights tell fearless and inspiring stories of where our nation is and where it might go. These are postcards to Dear Australia, and are recorded by 50 extraordinary actors, many in their own homes. Part Two runs for 80 mins, including a short break. Click 'Get Reminder' to be notified when this stream begins. For more information, visit: http://www.pwa.org.au/2020-pr/for-our-nation-dear-australia Warning: Some stories in Part Two contain strong language, sexual references and adult themes, and may be unsuitable for some audiences. If any of these stories raise concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or visit The Arts Wellbeing Collective: https://www.artswellbeingcollective.com.au/get-help/

15.01.2022 #tbt Guy Webster and Nathan Sibthorpe went on a trip out west in early February this year to record sounds and visuals for the production of 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor. It's been a while since they were out there, but we can't wait to bring the pieces together in the rehearsal room later this year!

14.01.2022 Congratulations to the 14 participants who are embarking on their playwriting journey with SCCA: Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance Inc.'s new initiative, 'Writing for Theatre'! We are delighted that Playlab Theatre's playwright-in-residence Max Mellor (Her play 'Horizon' will debut with Playlab Theatre in May 2021) is delivering the program in partnership with Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance and the University of the Sunshine Coast to meet the demand for greater career develo...pment of playwrights in the region. Quick shoutout to everyone in the photo (from top left) Judy Pippen (co-ordinator), Maxine Mellor (facilitator), Julie Votan, Nycole Prowse, Melanie Myers, Joy Hinckley, Anne Grant, Gail Crimmins, Erin Blond, Anahita Ahang Mary Egglestron, Luke Diamond, Anthony Borsato.

14.01.2022 Its been so inspiring and exciting to get to know the 6 Sparks playwrights for 2020. We simply cant wait to kick off our workshops with program partner QPAC and see the new works these amazing women will create!

14.01.2022 The playwrights from 'Sparks' have had their very first Writer's Room in their last workshop! Alex Bayliss (Playlab's Artistic Coordinator) said "It's inspiring to talk through all these new ideas, and the diversity in terms of style, form, story, and audience is amazing." We are extremely excited for these playwrights, and we can't wait for their stories to develop.

13.01.2022 As the playwrights in the development programs are in the process of writing their draft, we've checked in with Bianca Bality from the Incubator program to see how she is progressing since transitioning into online delivery of the program. "Incubator has truly been a creative port and comfort within the quagmire that is 2020. The global pandemic has interrupted so many things, but thankfully Incubator and Playlab Theatre have persevered. Virtual meetups over the past few mont...hs have allowed us to stay connected while we reflect on our chosen form, explore new content and grow as playwrights. Ironically, during isolation I'd never felt more connected to the writing community and my craft. Kathryn, as well as my fellow Incubator participants, have all been incredibly generous and supportive with their feedback and creative contributions. Incubator not only forms new ideas, it also forms new connections within our industry. It's an absolute treat working with and learning from fellow Queensland writers." See more

12.01.2022 The multi-narrative, eco-thriller by five of Brisbane's very own playwrights is now available for purchase! 'Rising' by Hannah Belanszky, Madeleine Border, Emily Burton, Lauren Sherritt and Sarah Wilson is an ambitious new work responding to the looming ecological crisis in an effort to find equality and balance. Use code 'rising20' at check out to receive a 20% discount off your purchase. Get your copy of 'Rising' here: https://bit.ly/3p65hqS

12.01.2022 Catch Future D. Fidel with Pacharo Mzembe and all the other amazing playwright on 'Dear Australia' today, live streaming into your homes at 5pm (QLD). More information can be found on the event page: "life is never easy, but it's easy to fail. Work hard, till failure becomes the hardest thing you could ever be" The Epidemic of our time is an illustration of the times of hardship Australia had to endure. From its First Nation people till now, Australia has gone through some de...spicable tragedies. -- Please join us for Part Three of Dear Australia, streaming to Facebook from 5pm (AEST) Sunday 5 July. Over three nights, 50 Australian playwrights tell fearless and inspiring stories of where our nation is and where it might go. These are postcards to Dear Australia, and are recorded by 50 extraordinary actors, many in their own homes. Part Three runs for 77 mins, including a short break. Click 'Get Reminder' to be notified when this stream begins. For more information, visit: http://www.pwa.org.au/2020-pr/for-our-nation-dear-australia Warning: Some stories in Part Three contain strong language, sexual references and adult themes, including references to domestic violence, and may be unsuitable for some audiences. If any of these stories raise concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or visit The Arts Wellbeing Collective: https://www.artswellbeingcollective.com.au/get-help/

11.01.2022 Are you ready to take a trip into the outback? Book your tickets to see 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor now! Season runs until Sat 29 May in the Underground Theatre, strap in because you're in for a wild ride. : https://bit.ly/3jRqqRq

09.01.2022 Express Media is looking for regional, emerging playwrights to join their 12-week online writing program facilitated by Jessica Bellamy (Playwright for Compass and Sprout)! Application to Toolkits: Regional Playwriting close Mon 29 Jun. More information can be found on their original post below!

09.01.2022 Here's a fun fact. Did you know young Merlynn danced her way up to the top and represented her school for Singapore's National Day Parade on this exact date? You can catch this dance in 'Blue Bones' when we are back in the theatre next year! 'Blue Bones' will kick off its touring season after opening at Brisbane Powerhouse in August 2021.

08.01.2022 The wonderful Bianca Butler Reynolds was in our space with Minola Theatre last week and shared a lovely photo from their workshop. We have definitely missed seeing fellow artists come in and out of our Rehearsal Room!

08.01.2022 New plays from WA! Check out the latest additions to our Playlab Indie collection that are sure to challenge, delight, surprise and enthral you. ‘The Apparatus’ by Humphrey Bower with Tim Green: https://bit.ly/3gRf9kq ‘See You Next Tuesday’ by Sam Nerida: https://bit.ly/37iqGFX... 'Playlab Indie' is a digital collection designed to promote new work from across Australia that has debuted in the independent theatre sector and the artists that created them. View full Playlab Indie Collection: https://bit.ly/37vD5Hg

08.01.2022 Celebrating one of the greats by one of the greats! ‘Popular Front’ by Errol O’Neil has been re-released as part of Playlab Theatre’s New Vintage Collection! Get your copy of this uniquely Australian story here: https://bit.ly/3831F0N 'New Vintage' is a collection of digitally published Australia scripts spanning back 150 years. The collection brings difficult to find, out of print and unpublished plays of cultural significance to the surface, making them easily accessible for a new generation. Check out the whole collection here: https://bit.ly/3r5TLMY

08.01.2022 "A pertinent and engaging new work that speaks directly to the zeitgeist of gender and gender politics. The casting was representative of contemporary Australia and the story was incredibly well directed. This is the kind of theatre that gets people back to the theatre." Audience Response Tonight is your last chance to catch the dark and twisted journey of Maxine Mellor’s ‘Horizon’! Hurry and get your tickets now. https://bit.ly/3jRqqRq by Stephen Henry | Photographer

07.01.2022 First Nations Artists, have a look at this new initiative from the Australia Council. The Cherish Fund is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption experienced by the First Nations arts and cultural sector and community. The Cherish Fund has been informed by the First Nations Roundtables and the sector discussions and consultations in which the emergent themes have focused on the priorities and needs analysis through the COVID-19 phases of disruption, recovery,... rebuild, reimagine and reignite. Applications close soon! https://www.australiacouncil.gov.au//fu/2020-cherish-fund/

06.01.2022 "Dear Australia will be an extraordinary national moment led by Australian playwrights." Don't forget, 'Dear Australia' will be streaming live across three nights Thu 2 Jul Sun 5 July. Catch both our nominees (Kathryn Marquet & Future D. Fidel) and all the other amazing playwrights involved in this commission by Playwriting Australia. Full program can be found here: https://www.pwa.org.au/

06.01.2022 Will the rumbling secret deep within Rocky's heart be revealed or will the last one out turn the lights off? 'Rockpocalypse' by Jessica Lamb asks question of place, belonging and sustainability through the lens of a dystopian Rockhampton in the midst of exodus. Read full synopsis of this new digital release here: https://bit.ly/2O0f9kd

06.01.2022 Meet the fabulous creatives for 'Rising'! With such a fantastic team working behind the scenes we can't wait to get back into the theatre next year! What are you waiting for? Tickets are on sale now! 'Rising' by Hannah Belanszky, Madeleine Border, Emily Burton, Lauren Sherritt and Sarah Wilson Season Dates: Wed 3 Feb Sat 13 Feb.... : https://metroarts.com.au/rising/ -- Still contemplating on what Christmas gift to get? How about a season pass to Playlab Theatre's 2021 productions! Season Pass now available: https://bit.ly/3mM1rAT See more

06.01.2022 Congratulations to our friends at Metro Arts for officially moving into their new home at West Village in West End! Our AD/CEO Ian Lawson was there last night to celebrate this joyous occasion and has this to say. "Like many people in this sector I got a start at Metro Arts, and since that time their focus on emerging artists and establishing careers hasn't changed. I am in awe of Jo's vision and commitment to protecting the Metro Arts, and not just its long term survival, but ensuring artists are still at the centre in everything they do. Congratulations Jo and team!"

04.01.2022 Matilda award winner Merlynn Tong and playwright of 'Blue Bones', 'Good Grief' and 'Ma Ma Ma Mad' has a brand new addition to her collection of published plays! We are continually inspired by Queensland artists that have come through our development programs. We take pride in our ongoing relationship with artists like Merlynn and we can't be more thrilled to be able to further her career through publication. If, like us, you can't get enough of Merlynn, use code 'merlynnt25' at checkout to receive 25% off your total cart when you purchase two or more of Merlynn's play! Promotion is valid till Sun 2 Sep, publications information can be found here: https://bit.ly/3aS1CWR

03.01.2022 That's a wrap for 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor, massive thanks to everyone who joined us on this chilling journey into the outback. To the fantastic cast and creatives, it has been a wonderful ride and we cannot thank you enough for bringing this dark and thrilling road trip to stage! We'll be back in the theatre soon, 'Blue Bones' by Merlynn Tong runs in the Underground Theatre from 18 Aug - 28 Aug. Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3fWQhrd

03.01.2022 We’ve had a lot of questions about the technical specifications of 'Horizon', so we thought we’d share some of the highlights. Manufactured by: Ford (Australia) Body type: 4-Door Sedan Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive ... Engine: 4.1L Petrol Gearbox: 5 Speed Automatic 'Horizon' by Maxine Mellor opens at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Wed 19 May - Sat 29 May. Book your tickets now! : https://bit.ly/3jRqqRq

03.01.2022 Congratulations to the wonderful Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman on opening the latest production of 'The 7 Stages of Grieving' at Sydney Theatre Company. 'The 7 Stages of Grieving' by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman is an Australian classic that is a vital and powerful work not to miss. Season runs until 19 June 2021 in the Wharf 1 Theatre of Sydney Theatre Company. Get your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3yN9GDz Publication available here: https://bit.ly/3uAsLFK

03.01.2022 Arts Queensland has announced two streams of funding for the Digital Adaptation Fund. We have seen tremendous creativity and innovation from our colleagues and peers when adapting to the changing landscape in this unprecedented time. If you or your organisation need support in keeping this work going, check out this new funding announcement in the original post below or on: arts.qld.gov.au. Applications are open until 21 August, 2020 and is available to Queensland based arts and cultural organisations, sole traders and individuals.

03.01.2022 QPDA 2020-21 winner Steve Pirie and playwright of 'Jane and Kel Go To Hell' and 'Escape of the Break Up Forest' has a brand new play! '3 O'Clock, Flagpole' have gone through numerous creative development since its first development with Playlab Theatre's Lab Rats in 2014 and we can't be more thrilled to be able to further our support for this work through publication. You can use code 'stevep25' to receive a 25% discount when you purchase 2 or more of Steve's publications! More information on the publications can be found here: https://bit.ly/3aiZdnH

02.01.2022 Need a new play reading fix? Queensland Theatre will be streaming excerpts from the finalists of the Queensland Premiers Drama Award on Tuesday 16 June at 7:30pm. The finalists are Comfort by Anna Loren (a 2019 Incubator playwright), Binnavale by Maddie Nixon (a 2019 Alpha Processing playwright), and Return to the Dirt by Steve Pirie (a 2019 Alpha Processing playwright). ... Chookas to all involved, we cant wait to tune in!

01.01.2022 Refugee Week is a unique opportunity for all of us to recognise and celebrate the rich diversity, and the contribution that refugee communities make to Australian life, identity and culture. Check out the amazing line-up of virtual events and how you can get involved with Refugee Week here: https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/

01.01.2022 Catch Kathryn Marquet (The Dead Devils of Cockle Creek and Pale Blue Dot) and Future D. Fidel (Prize Fighter) in this wonderful initiative by Playwriting Australia! Between 2-5 July, 50 fearless and inspiring new short works from some of Australias best playwrights will be livestreamed by more than 30 performing arts organisations from across Australia. At a time a pandemic has forced reflection and change, these playwrights have responded to questions that get to the hear...t of where our nation is and where it might go. Commissioned by Playwriting Australia, the 50 monologues have been recorded by 50 actors, many in their own homes. These 50 postcards to Dear Australia are comforting, confronting, and a unique celebration of Australian voices.