Queensland Theatre held another online presentation on Sunday, but it was not a play, it was next year’s theatre season. It was exciting to be online for Lee Lewis’ launch – but what is more exciting is the 2021 lineup.
If you’re not familiar with Thornton Wilder’s Our Town then mark these dates on your calendar: 30 January – 27 February. Our Town is arguably THE classic small-town play; American writers do this microcosmic look at the quotidian so well – think Shipping News, Winesburg, Ohio; Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café; Olive Kitteridge; and, my personal favourite, Peyton Place. Our Town is a gentle warm play; a refreshing antidote for our troubled times. Maybe one day QTC will do Inge’s Picnic—are any readers old enough to remember William Holden’s shirtless performance in the movie?
Then for something completely different, Glace Chase’s Triple X runs from 6 March to 1 April. This is truly a play for the contemporary (and not easily shocked) audience. A love story that will make you laugh and consider the nature of love; and, yes, there’s sex. ‘Nuff said. Damien Ryan promises an updated Taming of the Shrew (8 May – 12 June). It’s a classic, it’s a comedy and hopefully it will be complicated.
In the past few years, women around the world have really tuned into Asian skin care. So Anchuli Felicia King’s White Pearl (17 June -10 July) interrogates a topical issue: skin whitening. Who doesn’t love a play exposing corporate culture? Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie (14 July-14 August) considers the role of women in law. Miller is a lawyer-cum-playwright so expect dazzling word play and gender issues.
Hopefully by August social distancing will be a distant memory. While the first five plays are capped at 50 per cent seating, QTC’s final three will seat 100 per cent. Brisbane’s Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe evolves from book to play and appears from 30 August to 18 September. Note to self – read the book first. Return to the Dirt (by Steve Pirie 16 October – 13 November) turns to the funeral industry to consider life’s biggest questions. Australian legend Robyn Archer showcases her talent in her version of An Australian Songbook at the end of 2021. It’s Robyn Archer – can’t think of a better way to end the year.
2021 is going to be a bumper year for theatre in Brisbane. Buy a season ticket-quickly, as audiences are currently limited to 50 per cent for the 2021 season. Go on, spend the money you saved in 2020. For more information about Queensland Theatre’s 2021 Season visit https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/2021-season-launch
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