Experience world premieres from emerging WA talent alongside contemporary riffs on timeless tales. Theatre at its eccentric best...
LOADED: A DOUBLE BILL OF NEW PLAYS
Black Swan State Theatre Company celebrates emerging WA playwrights in this showcase of new works, running as part of Fringe World. Loaded is a double bill of two world premiere black comedies performed by 2015 WAAPA graduates. Girl Shut Your Mouth by Gita Bezard looks at the education of women in the Middle East and how women are treated in the West, via four teenage girls who are preparing to move countries – but one has been shot in the head. Tonsils + Tweezers by Will O'Mahony examines 'deep grief', and how we can get caught up in an event from the past and never move on. State Theatre Centre of WA, January 14-February 7.
PIECE FOR PERSON AND GHETTO BLASTER
Preoccupied with how social conventions obstruct the possibility of personal liberation, this piece looks at physical action and spoken language, and navigating the complications of becoming a better person. Performer Nicola Gunn explores the complexities of conflict resolution in different scenarios – like the real-life one where she had a shouting match with a stranger sans common language. PICA, February 13-19.
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
Not many people can combine depression and comedy, but The Guardian (UK) says that Every Brilliant Thing is "possibly one of the funniest plays you'll ever see, full stop." Imagine you're six years old, and your Mum's in hospital after doing 'something stupid', so you make a list of everything good about the world. It's a touching play that reminds us of what's worth living for, and the lengths we go to for those we love. State Theatre Centre of WA, February 11-15; Albany
Entertainment Centre, February 18-20.
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THE TIGER LILLIES PERFORM HAMLET
Blending punk-style Weimar cabaret with actors, circus performers and giant puppets, British musical trio The Tiger Lillies become post-modern jesters to tell the story of the tortured Danish prince. PIAF delivers this Australian exclusive, an 'opera grotesque' version of the Shakespeare tragedy, punctuated by the haunting falsetto of frontman Martyn Jacques. It toured across Europe to wide acclaim, so audiences are sure to remember this anarchic performance.
Regal Theatre, February 17-21.
THE LION KING
Broadway's third longest-running show has entertained more than 80 million people worldwide, and it's easy to see why: combining innovative puppetry, spectacular vocals and stirring music from Elton John, there's nothing else quite like it. Experience the beloved Disney tale that can still touch even the hardest of hearts. Crown Theatre, ongoing.
THE WILD DUCK
Acclaimed Australian director Simon Stone, known for his fearless adaptations, breathes new life into this Ibsen classic. First commissioned and performed by Sydney's Belvoir in 2011, this remake has toured the world, receiving rave reviews for its innovation and resonance. Stone goes for the throat with this pared back, rapid-fire work, placing the ensemble behind glass and turning the audience into voyeurs. Heath Ledger Theatre, March 3-13.