August is shaping up to be another stellar month for NIDA alumni in entertainment. This exciting lineup includes dramatic theatre and an energetic musical that’s made its way down under. Watch Cate Blanchett star in a highly anticipated adaptation, engage with literary talents at the Byron Writers Festival and tune into the Annual TV Week Logie Awards ceremony.
The gripping production of Gaslight is making its way to the Roslyn Packer Theatre, showing from 21 August – 8 September. Directed by Lee Lewis (Directing, 2003), the play follows Bella Manningham, whose reality is called into question by her partner, Jack; is it madness or manipulation? Renee Mulder (Design, 2008) enhances the suspense with her scenic and costume design while on stage, Kate Fitzpatrick (Acting, 1967) and Toby Schmitz (Acting, 1999) have been cast in pivotal roles. Keeping the production running is Stage Manager, Rebecca Poulter (Production, 2009), Head of Lighting, Isabella Thompson (Technical Theatre, 2022) and Executive Producer, Ben Finn (Cultural Leadership, 2023). Julian Curtis (Acting, 2008) also supports this production as a standby.
At the Sydney Opera House, the vibrant production of In the Heights will run from 20 July – 25 August. This award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, brings to life the joyful story of a tight-knit Washington Heights community, featuring contemporary beats and salsa. Among the talented cast and crew are a handful of NIDA alumni lending their expertise, including, Jessie Byrne (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2019) as Rehearsal Stage Manager, Keerthi Subramanyam (Design, 2019) as Costume Designer, Alex Duffy (Production, 2011) as Production Stage Manager, and Lillian Lee (Live Production and Technical Services, 2019) as Stage Manager. Adding to the lively performance, Tamara Foglia Castaneda (Acting, 2022) shines in her role as Carla.
Don’t miss the Australian premiere of Tony Award-winning writer, Enda Walsh’s. dystopian drama Arlington playing at the Seymour Centre from 2 – 24 August. Starring in this deeply unsettling, yet somehow hilarious, tale of salience and isolation are NIDA alumni Phaedra Nicolaidis (Acting, 2004) and Jack Angwin (Acting, 2015), directed by Anna Houston (Acting, 2004). The production also features the creative talents of Kate Beere (Design, 2020) for set and costume design, Aron Murray (Design, 2020) for lighting and video design, and Steve Toulmin (Technical Production, 2006) for composition and sound design.
Get ready to welcome Uncle Vanya to the Ensemble Theatre from 26 July – 31 August. This contemporary adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s classic features the talents of several NIDA alumni. Yalin Ozucelik (Acting, 2007) will star as Vanya, while the creative vision of Nick Fry (Design, 2018) will shape the play’s atmospheric set and costume design. Nick Curnow (Voice, 2019) lends his expertise to the production’s vocal performance, and the seamless execution of the play’s intricate technical aspects can be attributed to the contributions of Stage Manager, Lauren Tulloh (Production, 2009) and Costume Supervisor, Renata Beslick (Production Crafts, 2007).
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) returns, running from 8 – 25 August. The festival will show over 250 Australian and International films, shorts and documentaries, highlighting a plethora of talent from around the world. Damon Gameau’s (Acting, 1999) new documentary, Future Council, will premiere at the festival from 11 August, with Damon appearing at limited sessions. Another festival highlight is Ellis Park by Director Justin Kurzel (Design, 1995) which follows legendary Australian musician, Warren Ellis, his passions, creative practice, and commitment to animal conservation. If you would like to hear from Justin before the premiere, he will be in attendance at MIFF on 11 August.
For horror fans, The Moogai, starring Shari Sebbens (Acting, 2009) and Meyne Wyatt (Acting, 2010) will be shown in Victoria for the first time at MIFF. Sarah Snook (Acting, 2008) has lent her voice to the hear-wrenching drama Memoir of a Snail, a story told in Director, Adam Elliot’s signature Claymation style, known as ‘clayography’. Don’t miss the world premiere of Runt, written and directed by John Sheedy (Directing, 2002), adapted from Craig Silvey’s bestselling novel about a girl, her dog and their quest to save the family farm. The film features Joel Jackson (Acting, 2013) as Constable Duncan Bayleaf, with costumes created by Kim Scott (Design, 2003). Featured film, Romulus, My Father, directed by Richard Roxburgh (Acting, 1986) has been stunningly restored in preparation for the MIFF. First released in 2007, the 1960s drama features behind-the-scenes work by Costume Designer, Jodie Fried (Design, 1998) and NIDA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts, Design Course Leader, Bob Cousins as production designer. The 2008 Australian horror mockumentary, Lake Mungo, directed by Joel Anderson, will also be shown in fresh, 4K, starring David Pledger (Acting, 1986).
Also at MIFF, a handful of phenomenal short films have been collected to be shown in a block titled, Australian Shorts. From this compilation, Oi co-stars Ziggy Resnick (Acting, 2020) and Brandon Scane (Acting 2020), A Thousand Odd Days is led by Angie Milliken (Acting, 1988) and You Are My Tomorrow stars Melissa Kahraman (Acting 2019).
In cinemas, catch the highly anticipated release of Borderlands from 8 August, starring Cate Blanchett (Acting, 1992) as Lilith. Based on the best-selling video game, this all-star, action-packed adventure film follows a ragtag team on a daring mission to save a missing girl with unimaginable power. Don’t miss the chance to see Cate in this thrilling new role!
From 9 – 11 August, the Byron Writers Festival returns with an impressive lineup of Australian and international storytellers. Among the esteemed guests are NIDA alumni who have made significant impacts in their fields. Laurence Olivier Award-winning playwright Suzie Miller (Playwriting, 2000) will be sharing insights into her acclaimed work Prima Facie, and the craft of storytelling. Also speaking at this event is Julian Louis (Directing, 2005), the Artistic Director and CEO of Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), a not-for-profit theatre company that tells original Australian stories inspired by the land, people and culture of the Northern Rivers. Additionally, Rhoda Roberts AO, a Bundjalung woman from northern New South Wales, awarded arts executive and NIDA’s First Nations Consultant, will be leading two sessions during the event. This festival is a vibrant celebration of literature, creativity, and the power of stories, providing a unique opportunity to engage with these distinguished NIDA alumni and other literary luminaries.
The 67th Annual TV Week Logie Awards ceremony is scheduled for 18 August on Channel 7. NIDA is excited to see so many talented alumni nominated for awards including; Anna Torv (Acting, 2001), Hugo Weaving (Acting, 1981), Kate Box (Acting, 2003), Mabel Li (Acting, 2019), Rob Collins (Acting, 2013), Ryan Corr (Acting, 2009), and Sophie Wilde (Acting, 2019).
*Header Image: Cate Blanchett as Lilith in Borderlands. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
