Antipodes Theatre Company Announces Virtual 2020 Season
In light of current restrictions on public gatherings, Antipodes Theatre Company (Brandon Pape, Artistic Director) has decided to postpone planned productions of Murder for Two and The Humans until 2021. Other events will now take place online, including ongoing programs like ATC Drama Club and the Ricochet Free Reading Series as well as new initiatives such as a Winter Development Retreat for new work and Mental Health Workshops for Artists.
From Artistic Director Brandon Pape:
“As devastating as it is to halt plans for our mainstage productions, we support the efforts being made to preserve medical resources and protect those most at risk. We look forward to revisiting both Murder for Two and The Humans in 2021, ideally with the same actors and production staff we already have in place. In the meantime, we are excited to venture into new territory as we move forward with all other programming we had planned for this year – just online rather than in person. We invite audiences to join us as we attempt to make the best of a situation that, while not what we expected, could yield inspired results.”
ATC was originally set to produce the Australian Premiere of the new musical Murder for Two in May and the Victorian Premiere of Pulitzer Prize Finalist The Humans in October, both at Alex Theatre in St Kilda. (Ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for a refund.) Until the ban on public gatherings is lifted, ATC will continue with all other programming in a virtual format.
The ongoing Ricochet Free Reading Series features plays that have yet to be seen on Australian stages, including several by Australia-based writers. ATC will welcome guest directors Shamita Siva (.CHURCH.) and Clary Riven (Rebel) to join Pape in directing new works by Noel Anderson, Robert Caisley, Gregory Vines, Don Winsor and Laura Zlatos. The final play for 2020 will be chosen from submissions and directed by Maude Davey (Gender Euphoria). According to Pape: “Developing new work is paramount to fulfilling ATC’s mission, and we are thrilled to have Maude Davey involved as part of the selection committee.” Writers are encouraged to send scripts to submissions@antipodestheatre.
June will see the introduction of another program focused on supporting new work, the Winter Development Workshop, in which a variety of projects across multiple disciplines and at various stages of development will be chosen to receive artist stipends and virtual support. Submission deadline is 8 May, 2020.
The second term of the ATC Drama Club, led by ATC Committee Member Melissa David, is already in full swing. This free ten-week training platform for artists and creators of all ages culminates in a Virtual Ten-Minute Play Festival in June, where every play will be written and performed by Drama Club members.
Finally, ATC will host a series of Mental Health Workshops for Artists led by Will Centurion. These two-hour workshops will take place every month beginning in May to help those dealing with the ramifications of the COVID-19 outbreak manage issues such as career anxiety, self-doubt, and coping with change.
For more information, visit antipodestheatre.com.
ANTIPODES THEATRE COMPANY’S 2020 VIRTUAL SEASON
The Ricochet Free Reading Series
Kettlehouse By Robert Caisley
Directed by Brandon Pape
Featuring Rob Blowers, Melissa David, Ana Mitsikas and John Voce
Thursday 7 May, 7pm
In this outrageous comedy, Miles’ life has been reduced to playing goodwill ambassador for her emotionally stunted parents who, despite getting divorced a day shy of their first wedding anniversary, still live together.
Happily After Ever by Laura Zlatos
Directed by Shamita Siva
Monday 1 June, 7pm
When newlyweds Darren and Janet give birth to an intersex child, they debate whether to choose a gender for their child—all while competing with the perfect couple next door—in this hilarious battle of the sexes.
Moonshot by Noel Anderson
Directed by Brandon Pape
Monday 22 June, 7pm
An epic Aussie adventure-fable by Australian playwright Noel Anderson about chasing childhood dreams, losing your identity, and choosing your family – all in the wake of the American Lunar Landing.
53% by Gregory Vines
Directed by Clary Riven
Monday 20 July, 7pm
As the 2020 US Presidential election will be heating up, we present Melbourne-based playwright Gregory Vines’ razor sharp dark comedy which finds Hillary Clinton and her staff preparing for the release of her latest memoir.
Bumpwell Manor by Don Winsor
Directed by Brandon Pape
Monday 17 August, 7pm
Melbourne-based actor and writer Don Winsor has concocted an over-the-top comedy delight that takes on class debates, rival feuds, and estate disputes in this Monty Python-meets-Downton Abbey send-up.
(Additional plays for September-November will be announced at a later date.)
To Be Announced (chosen from submissions)
Directed by Maude Davey
Monday 7 December, 7pm
Maude Davey is an actor, writer and director with her primary focus being the creation of new work. Recent credits include Anthem and Gender Euphoria. Writers are encouraged to send scripts to submissions@antipodestheatre.
Winter Development Retreat
17-28 June
Antipodes Theatre Company is excited to introduce their first ever development retreat for new work and bold ideas. From musicals and puppet shows to dance pieces and devised work, anything will be considered. This retreat will provide support to writers, directors, and actors through virtual workshops, readings, mentoring and a minimum stipend of $250 per project. Anyone interested should visit antipodestheatre.com/retreat and fill out an Expression of Interest Form. Deadline for submissions is 8 May, 2020. Inquiries or questions should be directed to submissions@antipodestheatre.
ATC Drama Club Term 2 – The Artist As Creator
Led by Melissa David
Sundays, 19 April-21 June
Fresh off a successful inaugural term highlighting tools and insights for working actors, the ATC Drama Club is excited to embark on our next round of sessions: The Artist As Creator. Now more than ever, theatre artists need to be empowered to write and create their own work. This free ten-week term will culminate in a Virtual Ten-Minute Play Festival featuring brand new plays that are written and performed by ATC Drama Club members. For more information, visit antipodestheatre.com/drama-cl
Mental Health Workshops for Artists
Led by Will Centurion
First session: Sun 17 May, 10am-12pm (Coping With COVID-19 As Creatives)
Led by Will Centurion, a retired professional dancer, singer, and actor (credits include The Lion King, Aladdin and So You Think You Can Dance), these workshops focus on managing issues such as performance anxiety, self-confidence issues, negative self talk, goal setting and career transitioning. Since graduating from the Australian College of Applied Psychology, Will now provides mental health services that target the needs of Australians in the performing arts community. To sign up, visit antipodestheatre.com/willcent
