As June unfolds, we once again turn the spotlight to shine on the extraordinary talents of NIDA alumni, captivating audiences across various platforms and venues. Enjoy cinematic masterpieces at the Sydney Film Festival, snuggle in at home for the premiere of Ladies in Black and immerse yourself with the poignant productions, Never Closer and Barracking for the Umpire, on stage now.
The Sydney Film Festival is back this year, running from 5 – 16 June 2024 and once again showcases the remarkable talent of NIDA alumni. Look out for the Australian drama Kid Snow, directed by Paul Goldman (Directing, 1986). Take the whole family to enjoy the animated feature The Sloth Lane, featuring the voice work of Remy Hii (Acting, 2011) and step into the whimsical world of My Freaky Family, with voice acting contributions from Miranda Otto (Acting, 1990) and Richard Roxburgh (Acting, 1986). Short films, Threshold, directed by Sofya Gollan (Acting, 1993), Unstoppable, produced by Tom Davies (Production, 2012), Besharam, starring Nickin Alexander (Stage and Screen, 2022) and Rehabilitate starring Bridie McKim (Acting, 2018) will be shown before features.
Aussie horror fanatics have a lot to look forward to this month. The Moogai, starring Shari Sebbens (Acting, 2009) and Meyne Wyatt (Acting, 2010) will run as part of the Sydney Film Festival, as well as Die Bully Die, written and produced by Matthew Backer (Acting, 2010) who co-stars with Ben Gerrard (Acting, 2006). Outside of the festival and across the country, The Exorcism is set to be released on Thursday 13 June; co-starring Sam Worthington (Acting, 1998) it follows the story of an actor’s descent while shooting a horror film, uncovering disturbing truths about his past and the possibility of supernatural forces at work on set.
For those who loved the book and 2018 movie, the new ABC series, Ladies in Black, begins on Sunday 16 June. The comedy-drama, set in 1961 Sydney, follows the lives of a group of department store employees who mentor a young, suburban schoolgirl, Lisa, portrayed by Clare Hughes (Acting, 2022). The series will also feature the acting talents of, Kate Box (Acting, 2003), Miranda Otto (Acting, 1990), and Sacha Horler (Acting, 1993), with Hannah Sitters (Design, 2019) contributing her remarkable design skills to the production.
On Belvoir St Theatre Company’s stage, Grace Chapple (Writing, 2020) is making her debut with her original play, Never Closer, which was conceived of and presented as part of her Master of Fine Arts coursework at NIDA. This gripping production features an impressive lineup of alumni across various disciplines. Mabel Li (Acting, 2019), Philip Lynch (Acting, 2021), and Ariadne Sgouros (Acting, 2017) bring the characters to life, exploring themes of friendship, conflict, and the search for forgiveness against the turbulent backdrop of Northern Ireland in 1987. Behind the scenes, set designer Grace Deacon (Design, 2020) has imagined an evocative backdrop for events to unfold, Keerthi Subramanyam (Design, 2019) designed costumes that reflect the era and rising tensions, and Phoebe Pilcher (Design, 2020) builds depth and intensity as the lighting designer in this production. Additionally, vocal coach, Laura Farrell (Voice, 2020) ensures that every emotional nuance is heard.
Currently touring regional Perth is Andrea Gibbs’ Barracking for the Umpire, a family drama that will resonate with every AFL fan, player, and parent. The production by Black Swan State Theatre Company of Western Australia stars alumni Joel Jackson (Acting, 2013) and Jo Morris (Acting, 2003), two fantastic talents helping to bring this impactful story to a wider audience.
*Header: Clare Hughes (Acting, 2022) in the ABC series, Ladies in Black.
