Theatre Listings | What's On | Stage Noise

Sam Kissajukian: 300 Paintings

SydneyVisual Art | September 1 - October 1, 2023

The winner of Best Comedy and Directors Choice award at Sydney Fringe Festival 2022.

Sam unknowingly documented his mental states over a five month manic episode via the creation of 300 large paintings. Come experience an epic story combining comedy and visual art to explore the Bipolar mind. The 60 minute show is paired with an art exhibition depicting the different states of Bipolar over a two year period.

Sam has been a comedian for over a decade having toured globally. He’s recently had breakout success as a visual artist with solo exhibitions at Brisbane Powerhouse, the MRAG museum and an upcoming exhibition at Summerhall in the UK.

Fri, Sat & Sun 6.30pm (5 weekends)
Tickets $26

night sweat

MelbourneTheatre | October 4 - 8, 2023

An experimental, all-sensory adventure into the hidden characters of a sleepwalker's subconscious.

Have you ever found yourself sleepwalking? Or had a serious conversation with a pile of clothes you thought was your mum? Michelle has. One too many times. Doctors say there’s nothing wrong with them, but the ghosts they talk to tend to disagree.

Step into a world where dreams and reality intertwine. Where Michelle embodies the archetypes of their psyche, from clown to fuckboy to Hugo Weaving.

Using a seamless interplay of physical theatre, clowning, improvisation and poetic storytelling, Michelle will transport you into the murky farrago between awake and asleep. Accompanied live with original music by Kyle Muir, 'night sweat' searches for commune and camaraderie with the parts of ourselves we keep hidden in the dark.

First developed with La Mama Explorations in 2022, this premiere season of 'night sweat' plays with form and genre in a sensorial smorgasbord that will have you captivated, cackling, and maybe even crying.

“Michelle’s not scared to put themselves out there and be vulnerable. They’re always pushing at the boundaries of what’s possible. This is what it takes to be a successful theatre maker.” – Morgan Rose (Riot stage/Rawcus)

“McCowage demonstrates a keen skill for comedic lyricism [and their] patent for physical humour is one of the show’s strongest elements, as they embrace the freedom of unrestrained space onstage.” – Theatrehaus in review of ‘Love Don’t Cost A King’

Written and Performed by: Michelle McCowage

Original Music by: Kyle Muir

Produced by: Liv Bell

Directed by Sodi Murphy Shrives

About Michelle McCowage

Michelle McCowage (they/them) is a queer, non-binary actor and theatre maker. Passionate about championing gender diverse voices and non-conventional forms of story telling, Michelle seeks to curate spaces for shared vulnerability.

Since graduating from the VCA with a BFA (Theatre) in 2020, they have written, produced and performed numerous original works across multiple disciplines. From Drag, to film, their most recent credits include their 2022 La Mama Explorations residency where 'night sweat' was first developed, a moving image performance with Jen Valender for Composite Gallery (2023), Boi Band Battle Royale's with Brunswick East Entertainment Festival for Midsumma (2023), a roving Madame P & Her Lizards performance for Born In A Taxi at the Science Gallery (2023), a currently on air, TV Commercial for AAMI Insurance (2023), a Drag King slot in The Titwitchez School of Titcraft and Boobery (Motley Bauhaus, 2023), Devisor and Lead actor: Ash in Crumbs (Artplay x Yirramboi, 2021) and Devisor and Performer in Grand Gesture at La Mama (2021).

Better Angels

MosmanMusic | October 14, 2023

Eight singers and a grand piano performing music for Opera's Better Angels.
Enjoy the beautiful ambience of the Grand Hall of the Mosman Art Gallery, a complimentary wine or soft drink at interval and a concert to lift the spirits.

After the trying years of the Covid 19 pandemic and with the increasing tendency of the media to focus its attention on disaster, distress and division, we thought a dose of the uplifting was warranted. We are all well overdue for light and happiness! Hence, Better Angels has been crafted around the decent, faithful and brave characters in opera for our listeners to share in moments of fun, happiness, joy, inspiration, peace, acceptance, courage, triumph and redemption through song.

There is so much to find in opera that is truly inspiring. There is the courage of Beethoven’s Leonora who risks her own personal safety to successfully rescue her imprisoned partner. Bradamante too, is courageous and fearless in her quest to save her beloved from the enchantress, Alcina. Beth from Little Women while facing her own mortality, wishes peace on the unsettled and conflicted Jo. The delightful, ‘innocent,’ Papageno is able to overlook the outward appearance of the old Crone and is rewarded when she transforms into his little sweetheart, Papagena. The nobility of the character of Sarastro is a given, although his Masonic origins may not be pleasing to all! Then there is the faithful Count Gremin, who truly adores his beloved Tatyana and the graciousness and wisdom of both the Countess and The Marschallin. Who could possibly argue that their music is not some of the most glorious of Mozart and Strauss’ writing?

The programme begins with a supreme example of ensemble writing in the heavenly quartet from Fidelio by Beethoven, in which we will introduce you to two artists performing for TOSC for the first time, tenor, Hongxin Jiang and bass, Lucas Tamayo. They will be joined by Pamela Andrews as Marzelline and Laura Scandizzo, in a departure from how we have recently seen her (as Lady Macbeth) when she performs as Leonora. Hongxin and Lucas are welcome additions bringing to life the patriotic Cavaradossi, trustworthy Sarastro and faithful Gremin. In the arias and ensembles from the baroque era we note that in this period it was not unusual for the good characters to be mezzos or altos, making a lovely change for Jill Sullivan with the sopranos the villains. Later, in the romantic era it became more common to associate the lower voiced females with less savoury characters! Samanta Lestavel, who has sung in every concert since the beginnings of TOSC is singing music for Iphigénie, who is prepared to put duty before all else, and is again performing a contemporary American aria, this time Beth’s aria from Little Women by Adamo. Louise Keast will be bringing to life hope and youthful love in Agathe’s aria ‘Und ob die Wolke’ then expressing motherly love and concern for her doomed religious charges when she sings as Madame Lidoine.

Our programme also includes the exquisite trio from Der Rosenkavalier sung by Samanta, Pam and Jill and moves to that other Strauss, Johann, in an ensemble of deliciousness led by sonorous baritone, Tristan Entwistle.

If you are needing something that will soothe the soul and bring joy we urge you to come along, and enjoy the afternoon. The music will do its magic! Indeed some of the most sublime music ever written, has been for the decent and delightful characters in opera!

The Medium

North SydneyTheatre | October 19 - 22, 2023

Step into the enigmatic world of Madame Flora's parlour, where deception and desperation intertwine in Gian Carlo Menotti's opera, "The Medium." This gripping two-act opera weaves a haunting journey as it follows the tragic story of Monica, Toby, and the tormented Madame Flora.
Set in the aftermath of World War II, and centres on Madame Flora, her daughter Monica and Toby, a mute servant boy Flora adopted but is mercilessly cruel towards. Madame Flora makes the family's meagre living by conducting sham seances for grieving parents, using Monica to pretend to be the spirit of their dead children. When during a seance Flora suddenly senses a hand around her throat, she becomes convinced that the spirit world is seeking revenge. As the tension builds, secrets unravel, and darkness descends upon the parlour, "The Medium" culminates in a shocking climax that will leave you breathless.
"The Medium" will leave you haunted and moved, long after the final curtain falls. Experience the power of Menotti's masterpiece in this unforgettable theatrical journey.