This September, the spotlight is on NIDA alumni as they take centre stage in some of the most anticipated performances and productions of the season. These accomplished artists, both on and off the stage, are showcasing their exceptional skills across a variety of genres, making this month a smorgasbord of must-see entertainment. From innovative new works to beloved classics reimagined, here is where you will see them shine.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on 7 September, the survival thriller film, Eden, stars Richard Roxburgh (Acting, 1986) with art direction by David Valencia (Acting, 2011). The story follows a group of idealistic settlers who flee civilization to carve out a utopia on a remote island, only to find their paradise threatened by treacherous conditions and even more dangerous neighbours. As tensions rise, the island’s inhabitants must confront the darker sides of human nature in a battle for survival.
Also debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday 6 September is the Stan Original series Thou Shalt Not Steal, a dark comedy adventure set against the harsh Australian outback of the 1980s. Featuring the talents of Miranda Otto (Acting, 1990), Shari Sebbens (Acting, 2009) and Darren Gilshenan (Acting, 1988), with art direction by Jenny Hitchcock (Design, 1999), the series follows 17-year-old Robyn (Sherry-Lee Watson) and her terminally ill grandfather (Warren H. Williams) as they escape from juvenile detention and hospital to recover a precious family heirloom.
Last King of the Cross has returned to Paramount+ and is ready to be added to your September watch list. The second season will see NIDA alumni, Uli Latukefu (Acting, 2012) and Janet Anderson (Acting, 2022) reprising their roles as Tongan Sam and Simone respectively, with Doris Younane (Acting, 1986) joining the drama as Wahiba Ibrahim. Helping to create Sydney’s dark and dangerous underworld in the early 2000s are Writer Sam Meikle (Playwriting, 2008) and Production Designer Tim Ferrier (Design, 1985).
Produced by every other theatre company and bAKEHOUSE Theatre Co, Xavier Hazard’s (Writing for Performance, 2024) original play ALL BOYS will show at KXT On Broadway from 6 – 21 September. This debut work, which was long-listed for the 2023 Griffin Award, explores the complex and often dark expectations of young men at an elite Sydney Catholic boys’ school. Directed by recent NIDA graduate Mehhma Malhi (Directing, 2024), the play navigates the complex interplay of violence, intimacy, and identity, bringing to light the unseen struggles and unsettling realities that shape young men. The show will feature a talented cast including alumni Ashan Kumar (Acting, 2021), Harry Stacey (Acting, 2022), Jackson Hurwood (Acting, 2023), Louis Delaunay-Henbest (Acting, 2022), Toby Carey (Acting, 2023) and Victor Y Z Xu (Stage and Screen Performance, 2023) as well as the brilliant creative team; Set and Costume Designer Rebecca Howarth (Design, 2023), Lighting Designer Isobel Morrissey (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2023), Sound Designer Amy Norton (Technical Theatre and Stage Management), and third-year NIDA student and Stage Manager Julianna Stankiewicz (Technical Theatre and Stage Management). ALL BOYS promises to be a gripping exploration of what it means to grow up in a world where power can corrupt, and innocence is all too easily lost.
The smash hit musical Titanique is sailing into The Grand Electric at Surry Hills, Sydney from 12 September. Starring Marney McQueen (Acting, 2003) as Celine Dion, with Artemis Alfonzetti (Musical Theatre, 2020) and Matthew Predny (Acting, 2014) lending their voices to this production, this multi-award-winning musical is a hysterical parody of one of the most celebrated films of all time. Ensuring that it’s smooth sailing ahead is the creative team, including, Associate Scenic Designer, Nick Fry (Design, 2018) and Production Manager, Luke Woodham (Technical Production, 2003).
Penned by Joanna Murray-Smith and directed by Sarah Goodes, Julia is returning to Sydney from 5 September. Among the cast and creatives contributing to this powerful retelling of Julia Gillard’s legacy are a handful of NIDA alumni, including Designer, Renée Mulder (Design, 2008), Lighting Designer, Alexander Berlage (Production, 2013 & Directing, 2017), Video Designer, Susie Henderson (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2019), and Voice & Dialect Coach, Jennifer White (Voice, 1998). On stage, Jessica Bentley (Acting, 2022) brings a profound presence, complementing Justine Clarke’s portrayal of Australia’s first female Prime Minister. This encore season is a must-see for anyone keen to witness the brilliance of NIDA alumni in a gripping, political production.
Header Image: Left to right: Miranda Otto (Acting, 1990), Sherry-Lee Watson, Will McDonald and Noah Taylor in the Stan original series Thou Shalt Not Steal. Photo by David Dare Parker.
