The Seymour Centre is known for its innovative and provocative productions, and 2017 looks to be no different. In its seventh year, the Reginald Series present unique performances from some of Australia’s leading small and independent arts companies. With work that touches on transgender and gender issues, violence against women, future technologies and speaking out against societal injustice, the line-up is electric.
Blackrock is written by award-winning Australian playwright Nick Enright and is adapted from the original 1992 play A Property of the Clan. Inspired by the murder of Leigh Leigh in Stockton, it tells the story of a birthday party down at the local surf club which sees a young girls raped and murdered. Presented by White Box Theatre, this thought-provoking and powerful production is guaranteed to leave its mark.
Sport for Jove Theatre, in collaboration with She Said Theatre, present Fallen, inspired by the history of Urania Cottage, a home for “fallen” women founded by Charles Dickens. This new work looks at suppression and the falsity of an apparent clean slate. Are you every truly ready for a new beginning?
The Great Ideas Performance Series is the Seymour Centre’s signature program, presenting performances that reflect significant issues of our time. In its role as the University of Sydney’s performing arts venue, the 2017 season presents evocative and challenging work that isn’t afraid to ask the important questions.
2071 is created from the words of one of the world’s foremost climate change scientists, Professor Chris Rapley. Combining 3D projections and an original music score, 2071 is the year in which his grandchild will be an adult – and what world will he find himself in? Exploring climate change by fusing facts and science with performance and art, 2071 presents a future we may not be fully prepared for.
It is rare to walk out of a season launch enthralled by every performance presented to you – but that’s what the Seymour Centre did. They have managed to create a season of relevant and inspiring theatre, with something for everyone. With such powerful messages on display it often feels as if they are preaching to the converted – an idea supported by the resounding cheers that erupted throughout the launch. The real challenge is how such performances can reach beyond the regular crowd to a place where they can make a dent in the mainstream conscious. I have no doubt that if there’s a way to do it – the Seymour Centre will find it.
Check out the Seymour Centre’s 2017 Program.
Header Image: 2071
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