NIDA alumni are dominating this month’s must-watch television releases and theatrical productions. From the outback drama of a neo-western to the hilarious antics of an iconic workplace comedy, and a royal scandal that will have audiences clutching their pearls, our graduates are lending their brilliance to every genre. Here is your guide to catch them in action:
Coming to Apple TV+ on 11 October, the exciting new thriller Disclaimer stars Cate Blanchett (Acting, 1992). Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, the series is based on Renée Knight’s 2015 novel and follows the story of a renowned documentary journalist, whose life spirals when she discovers that a novel exposes a dark secret from her past.
Get a taste of the Aussie take on an iconic franchise. Amazon Prime’s highly-anticipated version of The Office is coming down under with the eight-episode mockumentary series premiering on 18 October. This new adaptation stars Shari Sebbens (Acting, 2009), with guest cast, Jack Dutson (DLPTS, 2018), Rick Donald (Acting, 2009), and Christy Train (Acting, 2021), as the staff of Flinley Craddick packaging company. With its signature comedy style, expect plenty of humour and awkward office antics as staff navigate outlandish schemes and impossible targets set by branch manager Hannah Howard, played by Felicity Ward.
Brace yourself for Territory, a feverish neo-western series premiering on Netflix on October 24. Set on the world’s largest cattle station in Australia’s Northern Territory, the show is led by Anna Torv (Acting, 2001) with Tuuli Narkle (Acting, 2018) as part of a dynamic cast embroiled in a brutal power struggle. Directed by Greg McLean (Directing, 1993), with Costume Assistant Victoria Perry (Costume, 2019), the series explores the fierce competition for control over land and fortune. Expect a riveting tale of betrayal, family feuds, and external forces eager to take advantage of a declining dynasty.
Tune into Plum, a limited series airing on ABC TV on 20 October. Starring Adolphus Waylee (Acting, 2021), Janet Anderson (Acting, 2022), Susie Porter (Acting, 1995), and Charlotte Friels (Acting, 2019), the series follows the harrowing journey of a former football star whose life unravels after a diagnosis links his concussions to a brain disorder. With Sarah Hadley (Directing, 2018) serving as the directors attachment and the behind-the-scenes expertise of Standby Assistant Lucy Jauristo (Costume, 2021), Costume Coordinator Georgia Attewell-Moore, Costume Standby Amy Rose Jackson (Design, 2021) and Props Standby Charli Therese (Design, 2008) Plum promises an emotional and compelling exploration of the darker side of fame.
Don’t miss The Queen’s Nanny by Melanie Tait, on stage now at Ensemble Theatre until 12 October. This witty and dramatic retelling of a royal scandal features standout performances from Matthew Backer (Acting, 2010) and Emma Palmer (Acting, 2007), with Assistant Director Miranda Middleton (Directing, 2020). The creative team also includes Set Designer Michael Hankin (Design, 2009) Costume Designer Genevieve Graham (Design, 2016), Lighting Designer Morgan Moroney (Technical Theatre, 2021) Costume Supervisor Lily Mateljan (Costume, 2022) and Voice Coach Jennifer White (Voice, 1998).
Sydney Theatre Company and Michael Cassel Group present the Australian debut of Dear Evan Hansen, showing at Roslyn Packer Theatre from 12 October – 1 December. This critically acclaimed Broadway musical will be brought to life by a talented creative team, including Set Designer Jeremy Allen (Design, 2015), Costume Designer Isabel Hudson (Design, 2015), and Video Designer David Bergman (Production, 2008). Resident Director Liam McIlwain (Directing, 2022) will oversee the production, while Ariyan Sharma (Musical Theatre, 2020 and Acting, 2023) will serve as standby. This moving story of a socially anxious teen finding his voice has a tenderness and wit that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an ‘outsider’.
*Header image: Anna Torv as Emily Lawson in season one of Territory. Photo by Netflix.
