The theatre lover’s to-do list to kick off the season
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It wasn’t too long ago that sitting in the magical Canberra Theatre Centre, drink in hand, air filled with an electric buzz, was a mere pipe dream. I know—let’s not go there.
Let’s just enjoy the fact that theatre is back in Canberra and, quite frankly, back with a vengeance. From breathtaking contemporary dance, dazzling burlesque, poets and goosebump-inducing productions, there’s plenty to see at the Canberra Theatre Centre. So if you are plotting your own return, let this carefully curated list point you in the right direction.
Ascent
In this stunning triple-bill contemporary performance, the Sydney Dance Company takes us on an uplifting climb through contemporary dance.
Coming to life at the hands of the Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, renowned international choreographer Marina Mascarell, and Antony Hamilton in his critically acclaimed Forever & Ever, this beautiful moving portrait is a love note to the power of moving forward.
Thursday 9 March until 11 March | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/ascent
Catch Jazida
Name a better mark to leave at a crime scene than a trail of glitter? That’s right, you can’t. Sprinkling its magic across the stage at the Canberra Theatre Centre, Catch Jazida’s immersive dance/theatre production is riddled with charm, raunch and multi-sensory noir.
It’s easy to see why Jazida is a multi-award-winning artist whose sell-out shows continue to dazzle and delight.
Friday 10 February until 12 February | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/catch-jazida
Julia
In 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world. We watched in awe as she faced misogyny head-on inside Parliament House, her eloquently articulated prose capturing the emotion and discomfort felt by women daily.
Now, her historical speech has been lovingly recreated by the Canberra Theatre Centre and Sydney Theatre Company. An intimate and compelling show that seamlessly melds history and art—prepare to be inspired (and feel all the goosebumps).
Saturday 18 March until 25 March| canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/julia
Choir Boy
If you loved the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight, we highly recommend getting yourself to the Canberra Theatre Centre for Choir Boy. Written by Moonlight’s Tarell Alvin McCrane, this Tony Award-winning play is a gripping journey through masculinity, race, hope, gospel music and the queer experience.
Let the profound echoes of this incredible sound score and its talented cast transport you.
Wednesday 29 March until 2 April | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/choir-boy
Sparrow – Folk
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Only award-winning comedy duo Sparrow Folk could give an ’80s rock band comeback a run for their money— but that’s exactly what they are doing. Freed from their pandemic cages, their new show features fresh tunes, insightful wit and trademark ‘naughtiness’ to keep audiences on their toes. Yes, your stomach will hurt from laughing.
Thursday 2 March until March 3 | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/sparrow-folk-nice-pair
Kae Tempest
This award-winning artist from South London is the bearer of many hats. They are writer and musician, poet and author who seamlessly manages to wear them at once in their latest production ‘The Line is A Curve.’
A body of work that lives in the power of letting go, of embracing the cyclical nature of time, growth, love. Kate sucks us into the darkness and makes you feel its profound, beating heart.
Monday 20 February | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/kae-tempest
Air Play
This visually stunning production allows audiences to monetarily become transported in time as we float through this circus-style adventure and into a surreal world. Concepts of space and time will quickly dissolve as ordinary objects transform, fabrics dance in the wind, and balloons have a mind of their own.
Bringing joy to the youngest and oldest of hearts—Air Play is a nod to the power of theatre itself.
Friday 24 February until 26 February | canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/air-play
