2014 Annual General Report

Annual General Report 2014
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contents
LA MAMA ANNUAL GENERAL REPORT 2014
Contact:
Office Phone (03) 9347 6948
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 10.30am – 5.30pm
205 Faraday St, PO Box 1009, Carlton, Vic 3053
www.lamama.com.au | info@lamama.com.au
facebook.com/lamama.theatre | twitter.com/lamamatheatre | instagram.com/lamamatheatre
Venues:
La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St, Carlton 3053
La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton, 3053
Committee of Management:
Chair: Sue Broadway
Deputy Chair: Dur-e’ Dara
Secretary/Public Officer: Liz Jones
Treasurer: Mark Rubbo (to Sept. 2014) Peter Shaw (from Sept. 2014)
Ordinary Members: Caroline Lee, Kerry Noonan, Adam Cass, Richard Watts
Staff:
Artistic Director: Liz Jones
Company Manager/Creative Producer: Caitlin Dullard
Communications Coordinator: Nedd Jones
Marketing Coordinator: Mary Helen Sassman
Marketing Support: Bek Berger
House Managers: Rebecca Etchell, Amber Hart, Haley Fox
La Mama Learning Producer: Maureen Hartley
La Mama for Kids Producer: Ella Holmes
La Mama Musica Producer: Annabel Warmington
La Mama Poetica Producer: Amanda Anastasi
Preservation Coordinator: Fiona Wiseman
Script Appraiser: Graham Downey
Groundsman: Chris Molyneux
Intern: Dorine Blaise
Front of House:
The office staff plus Jo-Anne Armstrong, Susan Bamford Caleo, Alex Desebrock, Carmelina Di
Gugliemo, Tanya Harrowell, Mari Lourey, Phil Roberts, Laurence Strangio, Rebecca Mezei, Robyn
Clancy and Mark Wilson
Acknowledgements:
Our sincerest thanks to the many volunteers who generously give their time in support of La Mama.
We acknowledge that our theatres are on traditional Wurundjeri land and we acknowledge the
Wurundjeri people and its traditional owners and custodians. We honour and respect their ongoing
cultural and spiritual connections to this country. We aim to respect cultural heritage, customs and
beliefs of all Indigenous people.
ABOUT LA MAMA ......... 5
ARTISTIC REPORT ......... 6
PRIMARY PROGRAM ......... 8
EXPLORATIONS......... 27
LA MAMA FOR KIDS
......... 38
LA MAMA LEARNING
......... 40
LA MAMA MUSICA
......... 42
LA MAMA POETICA
......... 43
LA MAMA PLAYREADINGS
......... 44
LA MAMA MOBILE
......... 46
LA MAMA COMMUNITY
......... 47
ATTENDANCE FIGURES
......... 50
MANAGEMENT REPORT
......... 54
MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
......... 55
Financial statements
......... 56
Cover image:
Platform at La Mama’s Step into the Unknown | Pictured: Chris Nadinic, Natalie Lucic
Photo by Gemma Dawn
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LA MAMA VISION
La Mama is nationally and internationally acknowledged as a crucible for cutting edge,
contemporary theatre in Australia. Valued by artists and audiences alike, La Mama is treasured
for its continued advocacy for those seeking to explore beyond mainstream theatre; producing
work by theatre makers of all backgrounds and encouraging works that explore, deconstruct and
critique form, content and social issues.
LA MAMA MISSION
By providing a low financial risk/high artistic risk framework, La Mama facilitates the presentation
and ongoing development of contemporary theatre practice in Australia by a diverse range of
theatre makers.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1967, LA MAMA HAS BEEN:
An Innovative Theatre
Maintaining a strong level of support for innovation through our exciting and diverse artistic
program, La Mama remains responsive and flexible to artists needs and provide opportunities for
the development of contemporary theatre practice.
A Developmental Theatre
La Mama remains committed to nurturing artists at all stages of their practice. This includes
continuing support for young and emerging, mid-career and established artists as well as the
provision of pathways for further growth and development.
An Inclusive Theatre
Key aspects of La Mama’s artistic program are the principles of access and participation for all
artists, theatre makers and marginalised community members. La Mama will continue to provide
access to space, support and resources as well as maintaining an inclusive programming policy.
A Diverse Theatre
La Mama is proactive in programming works that reflect the complexity, diversity and richness of
our community’s cultural mix. We seek to address discrimination by creating a welcome space for
people of all backgrounds and supporting cultural diversity through programming.
An Accessible Theatre
La Mama provides audiences with access to unique and vibrant theatrical experiences that are
affordable, engaging and welcoming. The La Mama experience is deliberately unpretentious, with
complimentary tea and coffee, open fireplaces and homely hospitality, serving to break down the
barriers to engaging with new Australian theatre.
An Iconic Theatre
Over its 47 year history, La Mama has become an Australian icon with the theatre receiving both
State Heritage and National Trust classifications. La Mama is committed to the conservation and
enhancement of the venue and the preservation of its significant cultural collection that documents
the history of Australian theatre.
An Essential Theatre
Serving a large number of independent artists and maintaining strong connections within the
sector, La Mama continues to thrive because it is needed. La Mama continues to grow and
expand through co-producing relationships, continued involvement with festivals, touring and the
development of new programs which respond to the needs of the community.
A Sustainable Theatre
True to its humble beginnings, La Mama retains its integrity as a modest theatre. By continuing
to focus on generating, supporting, facilitating and developing new work in a manner that is in all
ways sustainable, we ensure that La Mama will continue into the foreseeable future.
White Spots | Pictured: David Maney | Image: Tom Riley
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ARTISTIC REPORT
La Mama is committed to creating both access and participation for culturally diverse and
marginalized communities in Victoria.
In 2014 La Mama ran workshops and created a performance with Adult Migrant Education
Services with newly arrived refugees in both Noble Park and Dandenong. The resulting production
If I Ran The Zoo was performed at the Walker Street Gallery in Dandenong and the La Mama
Courthouse.
Our Community Producer, Caitlin Dullard sat on the Carlton Harmony Day organizing committee,
working with residents in the Carlton High Rise Commission Flats creating workshops, mentorships
and presentations.
The Play’s The Thing | Pictured: Louise O’Dwyer | Image: Pier Carthew
La Mama prioritises Australian work in all its diversity.
In 2014 we produced 34 premier season Australian works.
In 2014 we produced 14 extant Australian plays as we are also highly committed to making sure
that new work has further lives and interpretations.
In 2014 we programmed 31 three day EXPLORATIONS, curated by Caitlin Dullard.
In partnership with the University of Melbourne, we co-hosted the Social Equity Forum which
included community-based performances in our forecourt and panel discussions in the theatre.
We took part in the University of Melbourne’s Just Encounters Forum, held at the State Library of
Victoria, presenting a rehearsed reading of Coranderrk: We Will Show the Country.
We produced and presented the Victorian Trades Union Choir’s performance I’ll Be There, in East
Melbourne, Geelong and Morwell.
As part of the development of our Uncle Vanya in Avoca project, we ran singing workshops and
hosted a community reading with director Bagryana Popov.
La Mama is dedicated to creating viable development pathways for emerging artists,
particularly playwrights, and new works.
We read all scripts submitted and offer a written appraisal on request for no cost. In 2014 over 90
scripts were appraised.
We host rehearsed public readings upon request by playwrights or directors. In 2014 nine such
readings were held.
Unsex Me | Pictured: Mark Wilson | Image: Sarah Walker
In 2014 seven of our productions were full developments of previous years EXPLORATIONS and
two others were given full productions at 45 Downstairs (Long Pigs and Waking Up Dead).
We also held our first ENCORE season at 45 Downstairs, remounting two highly successful La
Mama productions, performed to an entirely new audience (My Life In The Nude and Mein Kampf).
In assisting the development and flourishing of small companies and ensembles we host
residencies at La Mama. In 2014 Platform Youth, Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Playback and
Melbourne Writers Theatre were all in residence at La Mama.
One of the highlights of our season 2014 was our seven week long CELEBRATING WOMEN
festival, with seven wonderful productions celebrating women in theatre.
In 2014 La Mama Mobile toured two productions (Button and Two Mortals) to venues including The
Substation in Newport and regionally to Upper Yarra, Stratford, Cororooke and St Andrews. These
tours are accompanied by a La Mama staff member who re-creates the well-known La Mama
inclusive and welcoming style.
We worked with Palestinian playwright Samah Sabawi to further the life of her play Tales of A City
By The Sea which had been given a rehearsed reading at La Mama in 2012. It was given an initial
season at the Courthouse in November 2014 (and will have a further season in 2016).
La Mama is highly pro-active in including young people in our program.
Each year La Mama submit productions to be included in the syllabus of the Victorian Certificate
of Education. In 2014 we had Rosie John’s Stray, Dianne Stubbing’s The Parricide and Kevin
Summers’ Patient 12. All three were published. These were attended by over 2000 including
students from 91 schools in Melbourne and regional Victoria. All school performances are followed
by a Q and A panel discussion.
Our La Mama for Kids program presents works for kindergarten and primary students. It is
curated by Ella Holmes. In 2014 we presented 5 productions for kids including 2 in our Comedy
Festival Program.
In 2014 we hosted 2 tertiary internships (from Melbourne and France) and 12 work experience
placements from all over Melbourne and regional Victoria. We had numerous volunteers contribute
to the running of La Mama.
Both La Mama Poetica cuated by Amanda Anastasi and La Mama Musica curated by Annabel
Warmington continue as regular and vital inclusions in our annual program.
Liz Jones
CEO & Artistic Director
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PRIMARY PROGRAM
Curated by Liz Jones
--------------------------------------------------EVERYTHING I KNOW I LEARNT FROM MADONNA
JANUARY 22 – FEBRUARY 2
La Mama Theatre
Written and performed by Wayne Tunks
Directed by Fiona Hallenan-Barker
Lighting Design by Siobhain Geaney
Stage Manager/Operator: Kate Kelly
As part of the Midsumma Festival
--------------------------------------------------NO ONE LIKES ME
JANUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 2
La Mama Theatre
Midsumma Festival
Devised, directed, written performed and music by Darren Vizer
Co-written by Amy Malsem
Directed by Maurie Johns
Lighting Design by Bronwyn Pringle
Stage Management by Sarah Hall
Voice Overs by Toby Graham Vizer, Holly Graham Vizer,
Nicole Graham, Colin Vizer and Maurie Johns
Script Consultant: Ivy Mac
Film production documentation: Elanor Webber
Photographer: Sarah Walker
As part of the Midsumma Festival
--------------------------------------------------HOMOPHONIC
JANUARY 24 – JANUARY 25
La Mama Courthouse
Directed by Miranda Hill
Performed by Anna-Louise Cole, Aviva Endean, Laila Engle, Phoebe Green, Miranda Hill,
Matthew Horsley, Zachary Johnston, Jen Morrish, Jennifer Mills and Dan Richardson
Featuring music by David Chisholm, Naima Fine, Wally Gunn, Joelle Leandre, Luke Paulding,
Ethel Smyth, Sally Whitwell and Charles Wuorinen
As part of the Midsumma Festival
-------------------------------------------------THE GREAT GAME
JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 16
La Mama Courthouse
Devised by Katherine Connolly and Charlie Laidlaw
The creative team: Charlie Laidlaw, Katherine Connolly, Bernard Caleo
Director: Rosina Gannon
Lighting Designer: John Ford
Lighting Operator: Tom Dyson
Sound Design: Chris Bolton
Publicity Photographer: Daisy Noyes
Publicity: Magda Petkoff
Producer: Trudy Radburn
--------------------------------------------------THE MADNESS OF THE DAY
FEBRUARY 5 – FEBRUARY 16
La Mama Theatre
Devised by Laurence Strangio with John Flaus and Meg White
Directed by Laurence Strangio
Performed by John Flaus
Designed by Meg White
Design facilitation: Martelle Hunt
Lighting by J B Knibbs and Paul Jackson
Sound design: Lewis Coleman
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nspired by Maurice Blanchot’s text La Folie du Jour
Translation consultant & voice: Lilas Carstairs
Technical operation: Lincoln Hunt
Photographic image: Oscar Strangio
--------------------------------------------------THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE
FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 2
La Mama Theatre
Directed by Adam J A Cass
Written by Lauren Bailey & Adam J A Cass
Lighting Design: Meika Clark
Sound Design: Anita Quayle
Set
Design: Adam J A Cass & Jennifer Tran
Performed by Lauren Bailey, Kasia
Kaczmarek, Cat Commander
Sophie Cole, Jessica Hackett and
Dallas Palmer
--------------------------------------------------THE PLAY’S THE THING
FEBRUARY 20- MARCH 2
La Mama Theatre
Directed and written by Brenda Palmer
Performed by Maureen Hartley, Louise O’Dwyer and Peppa Sindar
Stage Manager: Meika Clark
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--------------------------------------------------TWO MORTALS
FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 2
La Mama Courthouse
Devised and performed by Rachael Dyson-McGregor & Mike McEvoy
Directed by Geoff Pinfield
Sound design & composition by Beatrice Lewis
Lighting design by Bronwyn Pringle
Promo image & set by Jamie Boys
Promo & development videos: Justin Batchelor
Past collaborators: Roslyn Oades, Dan Giovanni, Kate Sulan
and Chris Wenn
--------------------------------------------------THE FAMILY TREE
MARCH 5 – MARCH 16
La Mama Theatre
Written and performed by Alicia Easteal
Stage Manager and lighting by Elise Allen
--------------------------------------------------LA MEDEA
Presented with Lo Stupro [The Rape]
MARCH 5 – MARCH 9
La Mama Courthouse
Texts by Franca Rame (Lo Stupro) and Franca Rame & Dario Fo (La Medea, after Euripides)
Translated by Laurence Strangio with Margherita Peluso
Adapted and directed by Laurence Strangio
Performed by Margherita Peluso
Designed by Laurence Strangio with Bec Etchell
Lighting design: Bec Etchell
Sound design and operation: Daniel Jenatsch
Stage management and lighting operation: Harriet Gregory
Image: Hoda Afshar
--------------------------------------------------ORPHANAGE OF THE ANIMALS
MARCH 6 – MARCH 16
La Mama Theatre
Written by Karen Corbett
Directed by Catherine Samsury
Composer Nela Trifkovic
Choreographer: Susan Bracewell
Performed by Jasper Bagg, Susan Bracewell, Karen Corbett,
Francesca Waters and Russell Walsh
Chorus of the Mothers: Justine Anderson, Rose Godde, Indija N Mahjoeddin
Lighting Design: Bronwyn Pringle
Set Design: Robert Lingham
Movement Coach: Lucy Angell
Stage Manager: Elise Allen
La Medea | Pictured: Margherita Peluso | Image: Hodor Ashfar
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--------------------------------------------------WHO YOU ARE
MARCH 19 - MARCH 30
La Mama Theatre
Written by
Nick Backstrom
Directed by
Douglas Montgomery
Performed by
Nick Backstrom, Liza Dennis, Antony Okill, Chris Palframan and Felicity Steel
--------------------------------------------------DEATH IN BOWENGABBIE
APRIL 3 - APRIL 13
La Mama Theatre
Written by Caleb Lewis
Directed by Matt Edgerton
Performed by Bryce Youngman
As part of the Melbourne international Comedy Festival
--------------------------------------------------DROPPED
MARCH 26- APRIL 6
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Katy Warner
Directed by Prue Clark
Performed by Brigid Gallacher and Matilda Reed
Lighting Design
: Amelia Lever-Davidson
Sound Design: Kahra Scott-James
Set & Costume: Lucy Thornett
Design
Producer: Jemima Hogg
Stage Manager
: Lyndie Li Wan Po
Set & Costume Design Assistant: Diana Piera
Photography: Jessie Prince
--------------------------------------------------PUBLIC TOILETS PRIVATE WORDS
APRIL 2 - APRIL 13
La Mama Theatre
Produced by Eloise Maree
Director/Dramaturgy by Daniel Czech
Performed by
Caitlin Armstrong, Eloise Maree, Thomas Albert
Devised by Caitlin Armstrong, Eloise Maree, Thomas Albert and Daniel Czech
Designed by Jennifer Bismire
Stage Managed by Imogen Titmarsh
Lighting Design by Timothy Gawne
As part of the Melbourne international Comedy Festival
--------------------------------------------------THE TRAVELLING MEDICINE SHOW
APRIL 2 - APRIL 13
La Mama Courtyard
Devised and created by Emilie Johnston, Madeline Hudson,
Luke O’Connor, Alex Gellman and Christy Flaws
As part of the Melbourne international Comedy Festival
--------------------------------------------------THE LEGEND OF KING O’MALLEY
APRIL 9 - APRIL 20
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Bob Ellis and Michael Boddy
Directed by Phil Rouse
Produced by Amber Heart
Performed by James Cook, Alex Duncan, Matt Hickey, Tara Rankine,
Oliver Coleman, Brianagn Curren, Jess Tanner and Andrew Iles
Musical Director: Tom Pitts
Lighting Designer: Sian James-Holland
Designers: Daniel Harvey and Zoe Rouse
Stage Managers: Hayley Ricketson and Hayley Sorel
Production Assistant: Ayse Bayramoglu
As part of the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
--------------------------------------------------THE RETURN OF THE ERIC
APRIL 16 - APRIL 20
La Mama Theatre
Performed by Scott Gooding
Directed by Scott Brennan
Lighting by Bronwyn Pringle
Production Manager: Lexie Wood
Stage Manager: Lyndie Li Wan Po
Co-produced by: Cathy Horsley
Produced with A Vicious Fish Theatre Production
As part of the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
--------------------------------------------------ZENA LADNER
APRIL 23 - MAY 4
La Mama Theatre
Written by Bill Marshall
Directed by Jacob Oberman
Performed by Julia Foenander, Michael Loder, Peter Rowley and Sophie Sardi
Art Driector: Tim Burgin
Photography by Stephen Gale
Produced with An Ordinary Madness Group
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--------------------------------------------------DEATH AT INTERVALS
MAY 14 - MAY 25
La Mama Courthouse
--------------------------------------------------WHEN THE CREAM SINKS TO THE BOTTOM
JUNE 12 - JUNE 22
La Mama Theatre
Directed by Rod Primrose
Performed by Colleen Burke and Frank Italiano
Music by Dave Evans
Puppet design by Colleen Burke
Puppet consultant: Rod Primrose
Puppet construction by Colleen Burke, Astrid Mendez Endress and Rod Primrose
Based on a novel by José Saramago
Devised and directed by Lloyd Jones Ensemble
Meika Clark (technician)
--------------------------------------------------THE CUTTING BOYS
MAY 28 - JUNE 8
La Mama Theatre
Writer & Director: Daniel Lammin
Producer: Anastasia Ryan
Stage Manager: Kate Brennan
Lighting Design: Brendan Jellie
Sound Design & Composition: James Hogan
Assistant Director & Production Assistant: Joseph Brown
Publicity Photography: Sarah Walker & Phoebe Taylor
Performed by Nicholas Colla
, Nigel Langley
and Ilana Charnelle Gelbart
Originally presented as part of Explorations 2010
--------------------------------------------------LOVE TAPS
MAY 29 - JUNE 8
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Anna Lall
Director and Choreographer: Shannon Woollard
Set Design: Shannon Woollard, Maus White
Lighting Design: Lapin Blanc
Sound Design: Chris Boek, Shannon Woollard
Technical Operation: Maus White
Technical Assistant: Chris ‘Chuck’ Martin
Props & Stage Management: Shannon Woollard, Maus White
Performed by Jacob Pruden, Thomas Kay Mitch, Andrew Brown,
Katharine Innes, Shannon Woollard
--------------------------------------------------UNSEX ME
JUNE 11 - JUNE 15
La Mama Courthouse
Performers include: Jo Anne Armstrong, Pippa Bainbridge, Jessica Cherry, Robyn Clancy Amber
Hart, Maureen Hartley, Justine Jansz, Howard Wilkinson, Elnaz Sheshgelani, Liz Jones, Aurora
Darby, Tim Ferris, Gregory Fryer, Hoda Afshar, Lara Kose, Hannah La Rosi, Chris Molyneux,
Caitlin Murphy Adam Simmons, Hannah Spracklan-Holl, Raymond Triggs, Scott Welsh Peter
Murphy, Margherita Peluso, Adrian Prosen
--------------------------------------------------MAY AND ALIA DO PIRATES! [of Penzance]
JUNE 18 - JUNE 29
La Mama Courthouse
Created and performed by May Jasper and Alia Vryens
Directed by Eva Johansen
Music and composition by Tim Beresford and Gabriel Lu
Adapted from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance
As part of La Mama Cabaret Festival
--------------------------------------------------SONGS FROM THE MOVIES
JUNE 19 - JUNE 29
La Mama Courthouse
Written and directed by Emily Yarrow and Peter Callow
Performed by Emily Yarrow and Matthew Hadgraft
Stage Manager and Set design by Rebecca Etchell
As part of La Mama Cabaret Festival
--------------------------------------------------THE ART OF FUCKING
JUNE 25 - JULY 6
La Mama Theatre
Written by Phoebe Anne Taylor
Directed by James Shaw
Performed by Hannah Bolt, Siobhan Connors, Lisa Divissi,
Isabel Hertaeg, Eben Rojter and Phoebe Anne Taylor
Composer: Adrian Sergovich
Design by Hannah French
Lighting Design by Nick Coulson
Produced by Cecily Hearn
Written and performed by Mark Wilson
Set and costume design by AMAYa Vecellio
Creative producer: Tobias Manderson Galvin
Produced with MKA: Theatre of New Writing
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--------------------------------------------------MEIN KAMPF
JULY 2 - JULY 13
Fortyfivedownstairs
Written by George Tabori
Directed by Beng Oh
Performed by Sarah Bollenberg, Mark Samual Bonanno, Steve Gome,
Samuel Macdonald, Glenn van Oosterom and Stephania Pountney
Designed by Peter Mumford
Lighting design by Stelios Karagiannis
Costume design by Amaya Vecellio
Sound design by Natasha Moszenin
Produced with 15 Minutes from Anywhere
As part of La Mama/45 Downstairs ENCORE
--------------------------------------------------MY LIFE IN THE NUDE
JULY 16 - JULY 27
Fortyfivedownstairs
Written and performed by Maude Davey, with Deborah Eldred
Directed by Anni Davey
Designed by Isaac Lummis
Operation by Gina Gascoigne
Image by Paul Dunn
As part of La Mama/45 Downstairs ENCORE
--------------------------------------------------AMERICAN BUFFALO
JULY 2 - JULY 13
La Mama Courthouse
Written by David Mamet
Directed by Tony Reck
Performed by Nicholas Stribakos, Michael Collins and Alex Cooper
Lighting Design by Matt Barber
Production Manager: Pauline Grace
Marketing & Publicity: Tanya Walker
Produced with A Room To One Sid
--------------------------------------------------VILE
JULY 16 - JULY 27
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Didem Caia
Directed and designed by Elizabeth Millington
Dramaturgy by Hannie Rayson
Lighting Designer: Clare Springett
Stage Manager: Jess Rankin
Publicist: Scott Whinfield
Performed by Madeleine Ryan, Darcy Kent, Amanda McKay, Anthony West, Todd Levi
Mein Kampf | Pictured: Glenn van Oosterom | Image: Lachlan Woods
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--------------------------------------------------THERE ARE TREES THAT ARE DANCERS
AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 31
La Mama Courthouse
--------------------------------------------------HOW’S YOUR ACTING GOING?
JULY 23 - JULY 27
La Mama Theatre
Written by Monica Raszewski
Directed by Elaine Hudson
Performed by Beverley Geldard and Jane Nolan
Movement consultant: Adam Pierzchalski
Set design by Marc Raszewski
Lighting design by Wally Eastland
Costume design by Jo Lewis
Sound design by Piotr Nowotnik
Stage Manager: Pamela Eastland
Production Photography: Eleanor Butt
Assistant
Stage Manager: Rhiana Eastland
Set Production Assistant: Mia Raszewski
Written and performed by Louise O’Dwyer
Directed by Michael Camilleri
Lighting design by Bronwyn Pringle
Stage Manager: Meika Clark
Produced with Cumulus Productions
--------------------------------------------------CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE
JULY 10 - JULY 13
La Mama Theatre
Conceived, Designed and Created by
Bronwyn Pringle, Melanie Liertz, Lisa Mibus, Pippa Bainbridge, Chris Molyneux and Jack Beeby
Additional Performers Sandra Long and Margherita Peluso
Additional Puppets: Sayraphim Lothian
Stage Management: Libby Wilhelm, Sarah McKenzie
Production Support: Jessica Smithett
Images: Kylie Mibus
As part of La Mama’s 2014 Celebrating Women Festival
-------------------------------------------CORDELIA, MEIN KIND
JULY 16 - JULY 20
La Mama Theatre
Concept/Co-Creator/Film and Performer: Deborah Leiser-Moore
Co-Creator/Director: Meredith Rogers
Choreographer: Sally Smith
Stage manager and lighting by Hayley Fox
Image: Richard Moore
As part of La Mama’s 2014 Celebrating Women Festival
--------------------------------------------------CELEBRATING DURAS
JULY 30 - AUGUST 3
La Mama Theatre
Written by Marguerite Duras
Performed by Robert Meldrum and Jillian Murray
Directed by Laurence Strangio
Lighting assistance by Rebecca Etchell
Production photographs by Oscar Strangio
As part of La Mama’s 2014 Celebrating Women Festival
--------------------------------------------------PLATFORM AT LA MAMA: STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN
JULY 30 – AUGUST 16
La Mama Courthouse
Curated by Adam J. A Cass
Dramaturgy by Nina Barry
Performed by Joseph Simms, David Unwin, Georgia Symons, Chris Nadinic, Suhasini Seelin,
Stephanie Crowe, Christopher Hosking, Natalie Lucic, Brodie Rowlands, Georgia Whyte, Monica
McDonald, Ashfaq Hanas, Ellen Hall, Mitchell Whelan, Chloe Gunn, Ayu Astrid, Mary Harmer
A festival of multiple works devised and performed by Platform Youth Theatre
--------------------------------------------------HUMAN
AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 10
La Mama Theatre
Devised and Performed by: Ren Flannery
Lighting, Sound and Video Operator: Elisabeth Strohmeier
Music by Lauren Day
and Ren Flannery
As part of La Mama’s 2014 Celebrating Women Festival
As part of La Mama’s 2014 Celebrating Women Festival
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--------------------------------------------------MISSFITS
AUGUST 13 - AUGUST 17
LA Mama Theatre
--------------------------------------------------WE WERE ALMOST ENTIRELY HAPPY
SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 14
La Mama Theatre
Director: Harriet Devlin
Writer: Cecelia Devlin
Designer: Christine Urquhart
Choreographer: Jo Dunbar
Lighting Design: Canada White
Co Devisor / Performer/ Producer (Creative Development): Jennifer Monk
Co Devisor / Performer: Constance Washington
Co Devisor / Performer: Hayley Dallimore
Performers: Myf Powell, Lily Fish, Philipa Russell
Animator: Alyssa Smedley
Photographer: Gianna Rizzo
Sound Design: Lisa Rae Bartolomei
Stage Management : Carly McGregor
Producers: Alana Hoggart with Skin&Blister
Text by Smiljana Glisovic after Elizabeth Smart and George Barker
Directed by Caitlin Dullard
Performed by Smiljana Glisovic, Olivia Wilson and Stuart Duffield
Designed by Simon Coleman
Sound by Anita Quale
--------------------------------------------------KISSING A STRANGER
AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 24
La Mama Theatre
Devised and performed by Anna Lumb
Directed by Anni Davey
Lighting design by Richard Vabre
Sound design by Thomas Butt
Sound and Lighting operation by Jonathan Tissot
Image by Theresa Harrison
--------------------------------------------------THERE ARE TREES THAT ARE DANCERS
AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 31
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Monica Raszewski
Directed by Elaine Hudson
Performed by Beverley Geldard and Jane Nolan
Movement consultant: Adam Pierzchalski
Set design by Marc Raszewski
Lighting design by Wally Eastland
Costume design by Jo Lewis
Sound design by Piotr Nowotnik
Stage Manager: Pamela Eastland
Production Photography: Eleanor Butt
Assistant
Stage Manager: Rhiana Eastland
Set Production Assistant: Mia Raszewski
Produced with Cumulus Productions
As part of La Mama’s 2014 Celebrating Women Festival
--------------------------------------------------THE OUTCATSE WEAKLY POET STAGE SHOW
AUGUST 27 – AUGUST 31
La Mama Theatre
Directed by Keerry Davies
Written and performed by Scott Welsh
Art by Stella Nova
Dance and movement by Elnaz Sheshgelani
Music by Zenta Schubert
Design by Joanne Moulday and Rick McClean
Lighting by Chris Molyneux
We Were Almost Entirely Happy | Pictured: Smiljana Glisovic, Stuart Duffield | Image: Dorine Blaise
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--------------------------------------------------HENRY/ENRICO IV
SEPTEMBER 4 – SEPTEMBER 14
La Mama Courthouse
--------------------------------------------------DEAD SET
SEPTEMBER 18 – SEPTEMBER 28
La Mama Theatre
Written by Luigi Pirandello
Edited, directed and designed by Mimmo Mangione
Assistant director and stage meneged by Pina Geracitano
Photography and multimedia by Lorenzo Cambiere
Surtitles and sound by Nicola Toson
Musical direction by Alexander Parise
Choreography by Guilia Campomizzi
Lighting by Flynn Cowan
Written, composed and performed by Sue Giles and Ian Pidd
Lighting design by Richard Vabre
Technical operation by Ashlee Hughes and Lachlan MacLeod
Outside eye: Glen Perry
Story doctor: Julianne O’Brien
Photography by Sarah Walker
--------------------------------------------------ALMOST FACE TO FACE
SEPTEMBER 17 – SEPTEMBER 28
La Mama Theatre
Written and performed by Stephen House
Directed by Peter Green
Lighting by Elisabeth Strohmeier
As part of the 2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival
--------------------------------------------------HORSEHEAD
OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 12
La Mama Theatre
Written and directed by Damon Lockwood
Performed by Sean Walsh and Sam Longley
Costume design by Cherie Hewson
Sound design by Steve Hearne
Lighting design and operation by Andre Van Vulpen
As part of Melbourne Fringe Festival
Produced with Lockwood Productions
As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival
--------------------------------------------------MOTHERFUCKER
SEPTEMBER 17 – SEPTEMBER 28
La Mama Courthouse
Created by Jane Miller and Beng Oh
Directed by Beng Oh
Text by Jane Miller adapted from Sophocles, Seneca and Ted Hughes
Design by Emily Collett
Assistant design by Juliet Bennie
Lighting by Matthew Barber
Sound by Tom Backhaus
Stage management by Sarah McKenzie
Performed by Iliana Contos, Annie Lumsden, Troy Larkin, Stephania Pountney, Tania Lentini,
Antony Talia, Keith Brockett
Produced with 15 Minutes from Anywhere
As part of Melbourne Fringe Festival
--------------------------------------------------HOLY DYING
OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 5
La Mama Courthouse
Written and produced by Stephanie Osztreicher
Performed by Stephanie Osztreicher, Lisa Dallinger and Claire Duche`ne
Associate choreography by Elanor Webber
Music by Katriona Tsyrlin
Lighting design by Aaron Canazi
Stage management by Angela Lang
Produced with Forest Collective
As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival
--------------------------------------------------WHITE SPOTS
OCTOBER 2 – OCTOBER 12
La Mama Theatre
Written and performed by David Maney
Lighting design and dramaturgy by Caitlyn Barclay
Stage managed by Skye Brennan
Sound by 19th Century Strongmen
Images by Tom Riley and Pia Johnson
As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival
23
--------------------------------------------------MONOLOGUE FOR A MURDERER
OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 9
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Kate Rice
Directed by Jeremy Rice
Performed by Louise Cox, Nicholas Denton, Kaann Fairfax, Kirsty Hillhouse,
Andi Snelling and Charlie Sturgeon
Designed by Sarah Tulloch
Lighting by Elisabeth Strohmeier
Sound by Alex Brittan
--------------------------------------------------TALES OF A CITY BY THE SEA
NOVEMBER 12 – NOVEMBER 23
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Samah Sabawi
Directed by Lech Mackiewicz
Assistant Director: Izabella Mackiewicz
Performed by Nicole Chamon, Osamah Sami, Emily Coupe, Majid Shokor, Wahibe Moussa,
Reece Vella, Aseel Tayeh, Ubaldino Mantelli and Cara Whitehouse
Set design by Lara Week
Lighting design by Shane Grant
Sound design by Khaled Sabsabi
Stage managed by James O’Donoghue
--------------------------------------------------ILBIJERRI WRITERS RESIDENCY
DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 14
La Mama Courthouse
WHICH WAY
Written by Katie Beckett
Directed by Rachael Maza
Dramaturgy by Jane Bodie
Performed by Katie Beckett, Carly Sheppard and Tony Briggs
FLASHBLAKS
Written by Jacob Boehme
Directed by Isaac Drandic
Dramaturgy by Raimondo Cortese
Performed by Tammy Anderson, Nikki Ashby, Monica McDonald, Ian Michael,
Melodie Reynolds-Diarra and Christian Taylor
--------------------------------------------------THE HAT TRICK – MELBOURNE PLAYBACK THEATRE COMPANY
DECEMBER 19 - 20
La Mama Theatre
Performed by Karen Berger, Ian David, Alan Davies, Danny Diesendorf, Rachael Dyson
McGreggor, Ananth Gopal, Andrew Gray, Ernie Gruner, Allen Laverty, Mike McEvoy, Diana
Ngyuen, Michelle Nussey, Alex Sangster, Surmsah Bin Saad, Emily Taylor and Lenka
Vanderboom
Dead Set | Pictured: Ian Pidd, Sue Giles | Image: Sarah Walker
25
EXPLORATIONS
Curated by Caitlin Dullard
La Mama’s Explorations season has been supporting works in development since 1980.
Creative exploration is at the core of all works produced and presented at La Mama, however the
Explorations‘ annual season of works in development is a special time of year where productions
are given three nights in the space to explore their practice and develop their theatrical pursuits.
OCTOBER and November at La Mama is filled with artists and audiences engaging in the process
of development – of ideas, form, content, words, processes, whatever is useful to the particular
production. In 2014, with 31 productions the Explorations season was our biggest so far.
--------------------------------------------------FIGLETT
OCTOBER 13 -15
La Mama Theatre
Written by Leila Rodgers
Directed by Daniel Lammin and Amber Hart
Designed by Bronwen Kemp and Amber Hart
Performed by Leila Rodgers, Penny Harpham and Tristan Barr
--------------------------------------------------DRAGO’S AMAZING BONA FIDE FREAK SHOW
OCTOBER 14 – 16
La Mama Theatre
Devised and performed by Ilan Abrahams
Dramaturgy and directorial support Glynis Angell
Tent by Hamish Fletcher
Design by Amaya Vecellio
Image by Heath Mckenzie
--------------------------------------------------MISS JEAN BATTEN
OCTOBER 17 – 19
La Mama Theatre
Written by Phil Ormsby
Performed by Alex Ellis
--------------------------------------------------WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
OCTOBER 18 – 20
La Mama Theate
Devised and performed by Nicole Hector
The Birds Conference | Pictured: Elnaz Sheshgelani | Image: Dorine Blaise
27
--------------------------------------------------HABITUAL CRIMINAL
OCTOBER 21 - 23
La Mama Theatre
Written by Carolyn Bock
Performed by Martin Blum, Carolyn Bock, Chris Bunworth and Helen Hopkins
Music by Faye Bendrups
--------------------------------------------------TRACKSUIT
OCTOBER 26 – 28
La Mama Theatre
Written and performed by Rachel Leary
--------------------------------------------------AM I A WANDERING STAR
OCTOBER 29 – 31
La Mama Theatre
Written and performed by Sarah Mainwaring
Directed and designed by Lloyd Jones
Controller of props and costumes: Chris Molyneux
Sound and Light tech: Meika Clark
--------------------------------------------------BLENDING
OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 1
La Mama Theatre
Created by Darren Vizer
With Joel Fenton and Jean Goodwin
Lighting design by Bronwyn Pringle
Produced with A Devize Physical Theatre Company
--------------------------------------------------TUCK IN THE CORNERS
NOVEMBER 3 – 5
La Mama Theatre
Written and directed by Joseph Brown
Performed by Jonathan Dutallis and Nicola Grear
Image by Piper Huynh
--------------------------------------------------NO ONE KNOWS EVERYTHING
NOVEMBER 4 – 6
La Mama Theatre
Created and performed by Cazz Bainbridge, Sophie Cole, Jessica Hackett and Xavier
O’Shannessy
Directed by Sophie Cole
Am I A Wandering Star? | Pictured: Sarah Mainwaring | Image: Dorine Blaise
29
--------------------------------------------------THE BIRDS CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 7 – 9
La Mama Theatre
--------------------------------------------------ECHO + HOW HUMANS CAN FLY
NOVEMBER 15 – 17
La Mama Theatre
Performer, advisor, puppeteer and puppet maker: Elnaz Sheshgelani
Directors: Lloyd Jones, Scott Mostafa Welsh, Ren Walters, Ricardo Evertsz and Kerry Davies
Narrator: Scott Welsh
Script Editor: Geoffrey Welsh
Music and sound by Clinton Green
Pianist: Domenico de Clario
Vocal: Shani Holmes
Stage Manager: Meika Clark
ECHO:
Devised and performed by Lola Howard
Dramaturgy by Suze Smith
--------------------------------------------------A WEB WITHOUT
NOVEMBER 8 – 10
La Mama Theatre
Direction, choreography and Butoh performances: Shirow Kazedama
Dancers: Adam Wojcinski and Kathleen Gonzalez
Guitar: Mick Trembath and Yuki Nagatsuka
Sound art and projection: Pippa Bainbridge
Produced with Kyu-Mu-Kan
--------------------------------------------------THIS IS EDEN
NOVEMBER 11 – 13
La Mama Theatre
Written and performed by Emily Goddard
Directed by Susie Dee
Directorial and dramaturgical support: Mark Wilson
Sound by Ian Moorhead
Lights by Gina Gascoigne
--------------------------------------------------EMBRYONIC ZOMBIE BUTTERFLY
NOVEMBER 12 – 14
La Mama Theatre
Created and performed by Eva Sifis
Facilitator: Xanthe Beasley
Mentor: Fiona Cook
Lighting design by Elisabeth Strothmeier
Image by Dorine Blaise
HOW HUMANS CAN FLY
Co-written by Michael Carmody and Suze Smith
Performed by Suze Smith
Co-devised by Lily Fish
Sound by Jai Leeworthy
Video by Michael Carmody
Design advice by Dayna Morrissey
--------------------------------------------------TROLLS
NOVEMBER 16 – 18
La Mama Theatre
Lead Writer: Neil Triffett
Writers: Alan Grace, Nic Stevens, Elaine Cope and the Internet
Director: Fleur Kilpatrick
Cast: Scott Gooding, Cat Commander, Gabriel Partington, Emily Smith,
Laura Jane Turner and Emil Freund
Design and AV support: Geoff Adams
Originally developed with the support of Platform Youth Theatre
Producer: Gareth Hart
--------------------------------------------------CATHERINE: THE BODY POLITIC
NOVEMBER 19 – 21
La Mama Theatre
Created and performed by Caroline Lee
Stage Managed by Meika Clark
--------------------------------------------------PANCAKE OPUS 100
NOVEMBER 22 – 24
La Mama Theatre
Created and performed by Sandra Fiona Long
Direction by Suzanne Ingleton
Lighting Design by Bronwyn Pringle with Sue Ingleton and Sarah McKenzie
Sound Engineer: Stefan Lafebre
Image by Mara Ripani
31
--------------------------------------------------INTO THE SHADOWS
NOVEMBER 24 – 26
La Mama Courthouse
A new work by Lynne Kent
Video design by Zoe Scoglio
--------------------------------------------------THE NATURE OF FALLING SHORT
NOVEMBER 25 - 27
La Mama Courthouse
Creation and performance by Amelia Ducker
Co-collaborator and performance by Fiorella Cordella Pamparana
--------------------------------------------------LITTLE DAUGHTERS
NOVEMBER 25 – 27
La Mama Theatre
Written by Annie Ferguson
Directed by Zachary Ruane
Images by Gianna Rizzo
Cast: Andrew Davies, Annie Lumsden, Jack Bennett, Nicholas Waxman,
Sam Burns-Warr and Keith Brockett
Sound by Tom Armstrong
Lighting by Daniel Barca
--------------------------------------------------OF COWS, WOMEN AND WAR
NOVEMBER 27 – 29
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Ajak Kwai and Bagryana Popov
Performed by Ajak Kwai
Director: Bagryana Popov
Assistant Director: Bridget Balodis
Design: Adrienne Chisholm
Lighting/Production Manager: Simon Coleman
Publicity photography: Nik Harrison
Technical support: Sarah McKenzie
Rehearsal Photography: Sarah Walker
Videographer: Cobie Orger
Keyboard: Simon Lewis
Guitar: Elliot Folvig
Percussion: Kofi Kunkpe
Of Cows, Women and War | Pictured: Ajak Kwai | Image: Dorine Blaise
33
--------------------------------------------------THE FEAST
NOVEMBER 28 – 30
La Mama Courthouse
Way Out West Ensemble: Annette Attard, Melissa Caggegi, Tam Hong Cao, Sarah Ellis, Ned
Fagan, Jeremy Lindhe, Natalya Lopez, Leeanne Mackey, Dragan Mickov, Christopher O’Keeffe,
Clint Richardson, Marc Sorbello and Kate Niddrie
Artistic Directors: Fleur Dean and Russ Pirie
Crew: Sally Jones, Tanya Arman, Sebastian Lopez and Fiona Halse
Music: Nicholas Albanis
Technical Stage Manager: Sarah McKenzie
Production Coordinator: Rachael Walker
Produced with Arts Access Victoria’s Big West Program
--------------------------------------------------‘…nothing you need to know….’
NOVEMBER 28 – 30
La Mama Theatre
Devised, designed, directed by Lloyd Jones with the Ensemble
Lighting/Sound technician: Meika Clarke
Set Construction: Raymond Triggs, Chris Molyneux, Phoebe Richardson, (volunteer)
Nicola Dobinson(Work Experience)
Performers – Jo Anne Armstrong, Pippa Bainbridge, Jessica Cherry, Robyn Clancy, Aurora
Darby, Tim Ferris, Greg Fryer, Maureen Hartley, Lloyd Jones, Liz Jones, Hannah Li Rosi, Rebecca
Mezei, Chris Molyneux, Peter Murphy, Caitlin Murphy, Mairead Murphy, Adrian Prosen, Elnaz
Sheshgelani, Raymond Triggs, Scott Welsh and Howard Wilkinson
Musician/Performer: Adam Simmons
Documentation: Dorine Blaise. Rick Evertsz, Neddwellyn Jones
Assistant to Director: Robin Laumeyer
Computer Support:Adrian Prosen MDM CopyCentre. Carlton
--------------------------------------------------ADAM SMITH’S SHAME
December 1 – 3
La Mama Theatre
Written by Jane E Thompson
Directed by Petra Kalive
Dramaturgy by Felix Ching Ching Ho
Performed by Brendan Barnett, Julia Bilington, Keith Brockett,
Kane Felsinger, Catherine Glavicic and Emma Griffin
--------------------------------------------------SIZWE BANSI IS DEAD
December 4 – 6
La Mama Theatre
Written by Athol Fugard
Directed by Scott Welsh
Performed by Cherian Jacob and Ezekiel Day
Lighting and Stage Manager by Sarah McKenzie
Produced with Cicero’s Circle Theatre Company
‘... nothing you need to know...’ | Pictured: Lloyd Jones | Image: Dorine Blaise
35
--------------------------------------------------THE GREEKS
DECEMBER 5 – 7
La Mama Theatre
A new play by Christine Lambrianidis
Directed by Matt Lockitt
Performed by Kathryn Tohill, Nicholas Rhodes, Alex Tsitsopoulos, Antonietta Cozzo, Jim
Koutsoukos and Noah Oyston
Stage Manager: Sarah McKenzie
Image by David Limoli
--------------------------------------------------DOG DAY TRIO
DECEMBER 8 – 10
La Mama Theatre
Written by Michael Olsen
Directed by Tammie Kite
Set and costume design by Kelsey Henderson
Performed by Rosa Nix, Kelly Jane Harrison and Kirk Alexander
Stage manager and lighting by Sarah Mckenzie
--------------------------------------------------THE CAPITAL
DECEMBER 9 – 11
La Mama Theatre
Written and directed by Peter Murphy
Performed by Sam Duncan and Tim Ferris
Stage Manager: Sarah McKenzie
Drive slides by Sam Duncan
Other slides by Peter Murphy
--------------------------------------------------IMPROVALOGALOG
DECEMBER 12 – 14
La Mama Theatre
Circles made of plastic: Alice Robinson
The Musical Body: Charlotte Roberts
Stage managed by Sarah Mckenzie
The Capital | Pictured: Sam Duncan | Image: Dorine Blaise
37
La Mama for Kids
Curated by Ella Holmes
La Mama for Kids seeks to enlighten, empower and to excite, developing young audiences by
providing opportunities to engage with high quality new Australian theatre. Aligning with La
Mama’s aim to address social inequity, the La Mama for Kids program is inclusive, affordable
and accessible for all. Originally trialed as part of Explorations in 2007, La Mama for Kids has
flourished over the past triennium to become a hugely successful regular inclusion in La Mama’s
artistic program. Complementing the Learning Program, La Mama for Kids caters to pre-primary
and primary aged children and their families.
--------------------------------------------------A POCKET FULL OF JOY
La Mama Courthouse
APRIL 5 - APRIL 13
Created and performed by Chanelle Sheehan, Hannah Tivendale,
Maddie Thiele, Tara Rankine and Maddy Kelly
Production Design: Gen Atkins
Set Construction assistance: Peter Turley
Video Editing: Tom Doman
Sound Editing: Tom Pitts
Production Manager: Anastasia Ryan
A Sausage Dog Production
Part of the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
--------------------------------------------------TIME OUT
APRIL 16 - APRIL 20
La Mama Courthouse
Written and Devised by Anna Thomson, Meiki Apted and Alice Robinson
Produced by Anna Thomson and Meiki Apted
Directed by Alice Robinson, Anna Thomson and Meiki Apted
Performed by Dani Meiki Apted Jules Anna Thomson Jamie Alice Robinson
Stage Manager: Kristin Sanders
Sound operation: Kristin Sanders
Lighting Operation: Aleshanee Faerie
Lighting design: Suze Smith with Anna Thomson
Set, Costume, and Prop design: Alice Robinson, Anna Thomson and Meiki Apted
Underwater Shadowland Creatures: Alice Robinson
Sound design: Meiki Apted, Anna Thomson and Alice Robinson
Sound Programming and Ocean Soundscape: Jack Thomson with Meiki Apted
Publicity support: Sonia Ablett
Photography: Ellen Duffy, Danyelle Hucker, Jaye Hayes, Erin Jade
--------------------------------------------------THE STORY OF THE NOT-QUITE-BEAUTIFUL-ENOUGH-PRINCESS
AND THE NOT-QUITE-BRAVE-OR-CHARMING-ENOUGH-PRINCE
JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 19
La Mama Courthouse
A Two Friends Production
Written by Amanda Pearce
Created and performed by Amanda Pearce and Jade Thomson
Props, costumes and music by Jade Thomson
--------------------------------------------------FRANK’S SURVIVAL GUIDE TO FREEDOM
SEPTEMBER 20 – SEPTEMBER 28
La Mama Courthouse
Created and performed by Hamish Fletcher
Directed and co-written by Nancy Black
Music by Eamon McNelis
Technical operation by Travis Cook
As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival
--------------------------------------------------APRIL UNDERHILL
SEPTEMBER 20 – SEPTEMBER 28
La Mama Theatre
Written by Bob Graham
Adapted by Alexandra Sangster
Directed by Vanessa Chapple
Performed by Rachael Dyson McGreggor, Michelle Nussey and Mike McEvoy
Puppetry creation and support by Sarah Kreigler
Lighting by Richard Vabre
Set and puppetry by Colleen Burke
Sound by Anthony Olsen, Matt Ralph and Vanessa Chapple
Costume design by Natasha Clark
Lighting operation by Anthony Olsen
As part of Melbourne Fringe Festival
An ABC Circus Education production
Part of the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
39
LA MAMA LEARNING
Coordinated by Maureen Hartley
The La Mama Learning Program seeks to actively engage audiences, students, educators
and artists alike in the process of critical thinking and practical investigation, as it relates to
contemporary performance. To do this the La Mama Learning Program offers a diverse range of
theatre opportunities, activities and nurtures on-going relationships with students and educators,
particularly in secondary and tertiary institutions in order to help them to discover the joy of theatre
and to encourage a long lasting engagement with theatre throughout their lives.
--------------------------------------------------STRAY
12 MARCH – MARCH 23
La Mama Courthouse
Written by R. Johns
Directed by Kat Henry
Performed by Matt Whitty, Ngaire Dawn Fair, Trent Baker
Assistant Director: Rosemary Johns
Set Design / Graphics: Peter Mumford
Lighting Design: Linda Hum
Videography: Brett Ludeman
Sound Design: Zack Lee
Production / Stage Manager: Kylie Russell
As part of the VCAA 2014 Drama Playlist
--------------------------------------------------EMBODYING STORIES
MARCH 27 - 29
La Mama Courthouse
With Niki na Meadhra
A workshop for teachers exploring both contemporary & traditional oral storytelling
--------------------------------------------------PATIENT 12
APRIL 23 - MAY 11
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Kevin Summers
Directed by Don Mackay
Performed by Jason Buckley, Dennis Coard, Will Ewing, Colin Macpherson,
Joel Parnis, Jenny Seedsman and Heidi Valkenburg
Designed by Sophie Woodward
Lighting design by Bronwyn Pringle
Stage Manager: Chris Martin
As part of the VCAA 2014 Theatre Studies Playlist
Patient 12 | Pictured: Will Ewing | Image: Jeff Busby
--------------------------------------------------THE PARRICIDE
MAY 7 - MAY 25
La Mama Theatre
Written by Diane Stubbings
Directed by Karen Berger
Dramaturgy by Dave Letch
Produced and Production Managed by Alicia Benn-Lawler
Lighting Designer; Light & Sound Operator: Douglas Montgomery
Sound Designer: David Joseph
Set and costume design: Christine Urquhart
Performed by Lyall Brooks, Nick Simpson-Deeks, Gabriel Partington,
Olivia Monticciolo and Zoe Ellerton-Ashley
Image by Jack Murray
As part of the VCAA 2014 Drama Playlist
-------------------------------------------------STUDY SESSIONS
VCE Refresher session for students and teachers: Stray (22 September), Patient 12 (24 September),
The Parricide (26 September)
-------------------------------------------------TOURS
History tours of La Mama and La Mama Courthouse for high school and tertiary students.
Run across the year.
41
LA MAMA musica
LA MAMA poetica
Curated by Annabel Warmington
Curated by Amanda Anastasi
La Mama Musica is a curated monthly concert series showcasing creative music and sound-artists
at La Mama’s Theatre and Courthouse venues. The intimate setting and fabulous acoustics of La
Mama’s two historic theatres allows fine musicians to perform in a very special environment, amidst
the set of the current theatre production. The curated series encourages unusual collaborations
and offers opportunities unavailable in conventional music venues, for musical artists of all genres
(and ages) to explore and develop new work and production values.
La Mama presented poetry for the first time in 1975, when the Poet’s Union performanced at the
theatre. Following these wonderful nights, Mal Morgan began to organize La Mama Poetica nights
which took place every five weeks. Now curated by Amanda Anastasi, La Mama Poetica remains
a night of some of the best spoken word and poetry that Melbourne has to offer, with a diverse
selection of both emerging and established poets.
Showcasing a wide range of experimental sounds, La Mama Musica is one of Melbourne’s longest
running music nights, with renowned musicians such as Anthony Pateras, Jason Bunn and Adam
Simmons.
--------------------------------------------------FEBRUARY 10
Peter Neville: percussion with special guest collaborator
--------------------------------------------------FEBRUARY 10
Featuring Matt Hetherington, Jacinta Le Plastrier, Anthony WP O’Sullivan and Kerry Loughrey
MARCH 10
Nat Grant: solo percussion, electronics Graeme Croft: laptop processing
Belinda Woods: flute
Jeremy Dullard: gangsa
APRIL 15
Featuring Barry Dickins, Anna Fern,
Sean M Whelan and ReVerse Butcher
APRIL 7
Elissa Goodrich: vibraphone and percussion Caerwen Martin: cello
SEPTEMBER 23
Featuring Ian McBryde, Jennifer Harrison, Lynn Davidson and Steve Smart
NOVEMBER 18
Featuring David Stavanger, Judith Rodriguez, Annerliegh Grace McCall and Ron Pretty
MAY 12
Ian Dixon (trumpet, bird sounds)
Rick Chew (piano)
Howard Cairns (acoustic bass and concertina)
Adam Simmons (woodwinds)
JUNE 2
PLAYING WITH DT: A big real-time celebration of the late David Tolley Curated by Dure Dara and
Ren Walters
JULY 21
With Gian Slater (voice), Christopher Hale and Nathan Slater (guitars)
SEPTEMBER 22
With Adrian Sherrif (trombone, shakuhachi, percussion, Dave Smith Tempest and Moog Taurus)
NOVEMBER 17
TRIPATAKA: Jonathan Dimond (electric bass), Adam King (percussion), Adrian Sherriff (trombone)
and also Deb Kayser (voice), Nick Tsiavos (contrabass) and Anthony Schulz (accordion.)
DECEMBER 15
Featuring the Asylum Seeker Research Seeker Music band Group
April Poetica | Pictured: ReVerse Butcher | Image: John Alexander Stevens
43
LA MAMA Playreadings
Curated by Liz Jones
--------------------------------------------------TO THE NAKED EYE
NOVEMBER 1
La Mama Courthouse
Playreadings are held on Saturday afternoons and offer writers the opportunity to hear their words
come to life, in a supported environment that allows for discussion and feedback.
Written by Cerise de Gelder
Directed by Brenda Palmer
Read by Carolyn Masson, James Roster and Gabrielle Savrone
--------------------------------------------------LOVE TAPS
February 15
La Mama Theatre
--------------------------------------------------PLAYING SINATRA
NOVEMBER 15
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Anna Lull.
Written by Bernard Kops
Read by Kim Denman, Dennis Coard and Kevin Summers
Narration by Peter Stratford
--------------------------------------------------TRANS Collective Script Reading Series: WILD BOAR
April 26
La Mama Theatre
Curated and directed by Felix Ching Ching Ho
--------------------------------------------------PALACE OF CULTURE
MAY 3
La Mama Theatre
READING AND BOOKLAUNCH
By Ania Walwicz
--------------------------------------------------DURAS READINGS
DECEMBER 7
La Mama Courthouse
Directed and curated by Laurence Strangio
--------------------------------------------------THE PORTAGE OF LUKE RUSCHMEYER TO A.H
MAY 31
La Mama Courthouse
Written by David Blackman
--------------------------------------------------MS JULIE GABLER
AUGUST 16
La Mama Courthouse
Written by Kathleen Mary Fallon
Directed by Maryanne Lynch
With Dayne Christian
--------------------------------------------------LE BEATRICI
AUGUST 23
La Mama Theatre
Written by Stefano Benni
Translated by Laurence Strangio with Margherita Peluso
Read by Rosa Campagnaro, Carmelina di Guglielmo, Josie Eberhard,
Daniela Farinacci, Laura Lattuada and Margherita Peluso
Wild Boar | Pictured: Kelvin Shum, Felix Ching Ching Ho, William Kwok, Kammy Mok,
Nelson Wu, Christie So, Shi Wen Sun, Yaowei Junjun Shen | Image: Robert Smith
45
LA MAMA mobile
LA MAMA Community
Curated by Caitlin Dullard
Coordinated by Caitlin Dullard
Created in 2011, La Mama Mobile promotes access, diversity and inclusion through touring and
working with presenters in order to provide affordable, high quality and at times challenging work
that promotes audience, development and exchange across Metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria.
Throughout its history, La Mama Mobile has continued to respond to opportunities that support
productions to have an extended life through touring by taking productions on the road, developing
regional relationships and sourcing opportunities for meaningful regional and metropolitan
exchange.
La Mama Community works with a range of partners to extend the reach of our program to
communities experiencing barriers in accessing the arts. Our aim is to engage the participation
of artists and community members from all backgrounds, with all abilities and needs and with all
kinds of life experiences.
La Mama Mobile works with regional venues to share skills and resources and offer support in
marketing as well as audience and artist development. It also supports local groups with access
barriers to attend tour performances.
--------------------------------------------------SOCIAL EQUITY POP UP FORUM
February 27
La Mama Theatre and forecourt
--------------------------------------------------TWO MORTALS
Created and performed by Mike McEvoy and Rachael Dyson-McGreggor
Panel discussion around inclusion and arts, community performances
The Substation, Newport (August 28 – 30)
St. Andrews Community Theatre (September 6)
Upper Yarra Arts Centre (July 30)
--------------------------------------------------BUTTON
Devised and performed by Carole Patullo and Jane Bayly
Stratford Courthouse (August 15)
Upper Yarra Arts Centre (September 3)
Red Rock Regional Gallery, Cororooke (August 9)
--------------------------------------------------I’LL BE THERE
Victorian Trade Union Choir performance
Written by Rebecca Lister
Musical director: Michael Roper
Performed by the choir.
East Melbourne Church (October 4)
Geelong Trade Union Council (November 15)
Kernot Hall, Morwell (December 13)
--------------------------------------------------HARMONY DAY
Workshops/Mentoring/Artist Support
In partnership with Carlton Primary, Drummond Street Services and University of Melbourne
International Students (January – March)
Harmony Day Festival
Community performance event at the Carlton Estate (March 20)
--------------------------------------------------UNCLE VANYA IN AVOCA
Directed by Bagryana Popov in partnership with Lyndal Jones’s The Avoca Project
Singing Workshop
Watford House, Avoca (March 5)
Community Reading
Watford House, Avoca (March 6)
Two Mortals | Pictured: Mike McEvor, Rachael Dyson-McGregor | Image: Neddwellyn Jones
Development Showing
Watford House, Avoca (March 28 – 29)
47
--------------------------------------------------ADULT MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION SERVICES (AMES)
INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS
AMES Noble Park/Dandenong
An introduction to theatre-making (May 6)
DEVISING WORKSHOPS
AMES Noble Park
Creating performance (May 9 – June 20)
IF I RAN THE ZOO – PERFORMANCE
Walker St Gallery and Arts Space (June 26)
La Mama Courthouse (June 27)
--------------------------------------------------CORANDERRK: WE WILL SHOW THE COUNTRY
(Events associated with the Minutes of Evidence project)
JUST ENCOUNTERS SYMPOSIUM
State Library of Victoria (August 15)
Panel discussion and script reading
CONSTELLATIONS SEMINAR
University of Melbourne, School of Law (October 10)
Panel discussion
--------------------------------------------------CARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE
OUR ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
Devised and performed by the Alive and Active group
Facilitated by Marlene Habib
La Mama Courthouse (November 20)
PLEASE SEE SUMMARY TOTALS FOR ALL OTHER EVENTS
Our Adventures in Wonderland | Image: Dorine Blaise
49
2014 ATTENDENCE FIGURES
La Mama Primary Program
Everything I Know… Madonna
No One Likes Me
Homophonic
The Great Game
The Madness Of The Day
This Is What It Feels Like
The Play's The Thing
Two Mortals
The Family Tree
La Medea
Orphanage Of The Animals
Who You Are
Dropped
Public Toilets Private Words
The Travelling Medicine Show
Death In Bowengabbie
The Legend of King O'Malley
The Return Of The Eric
Zena Ladner
Death At Intervals
The Cutting Boys
Love Taps
Unsex Me
When The Cream Sinks
May and Alia Do Pirates
Songs From The Movies
The Art Of Fucking
American Buffalo
Vile
There Are Trees That Are Dancers
Closed For Maintenance
Cordelia, Mein Kind
How's Your Acting Going?
Celebrating Duras
Human
Missfits
Kissing A Stranger
Platform @ La Mama
The Outcaste Weakly Poet
We Were Almost Entirely Happy
Henry/Enrico IV
Almost Face to Face
Motherfucker
Dead Set
Horsehead
Holy Dying
White Spots
Monologue For A Murderer
Tales Of A City By The Sea
Ilbijerri Writers Residency
The Hat Trick
TOTALS
EXPLORATIONS
Figlett
Perf. No
Full
Conc
Guest
Other
Total
10
146
55
34
0
235
Capacity % No of Artists
59%
4
9
2
92
43
37
37
33
16
0
0
162
96
45%
60%
6
14
10
175
237
94
26
532
67%
10
10
10
9
9
10
5
9
10
10
10
10
9
10
10
10
10
10
9
5
9
10
9
11
10
10
10
8
5
5
6
4
7
5
13
5
10
9
10
10
9
10
5
9
10
11
6
3
435
65
157
77
118
136
70
115
135
86
64
77
99
205
34
160
120
79
147
70
46
60
15
151
62
155
99
46
34
70
77
15
99
95
94
31
88
146
44
160
115
84
33
21
58
371
27
56
4822
78
86
107
77
73
60
95
91
101
113
111
62
226
19
72
116
118
90
96
70
21
19
73
32
156
74
37
33
57
65
21
83
24
174
21
82
139
33
97
94
70
35
13
56
278
0
40
4054
58
48
46
78
79
36
52
43
126
42
69
43
107
81
43
59
28
47
22
48
72
32
66
49
119
56
51
23
31
33
14
47
44
131
32
55
53
78
57
94
74
44
48
113
97
36
22
2903
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
58
20
8
0
0
0
7
5
0
2
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
0
0
124
35
0
0
0
0
28
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
349
201
291
230
279
288
166
262
269
321
219
257
204
596
154
283
295
225
284
195
169
153
68
292
146
430
229
134
90
158
175
63
229
163
523
119
225
338
155
314
331
228
112
82
231
746
63
118
12128
50%
91%
80%
84%
67%
69%
81%
87%
51%
64%
61%
76%
81%
51%
98%
49%
83%
51%
21%
82%
26%
13%
95%
29%
72%
32%
73%
69%
90%
91%
66%
109%
82%
67%
66%
87%
58%
48%
68%
105%
79%
37%
31%
46%
90%
15%
98%
66%
9
13
7
11
2
10
16
7
11
9
5
6
19
6
8
9
11
13
3
25
6
4
12
9
11
12
13
4
4
5
5
17
6
21
9
10
7
3
14
9
6
12
5
11
18
16
16
499
Perf. No
3
Full
84
Conc
0
Guest
23
Other
0
Drago's Amazing… Freak Show
Miss Jean Batten
3
3
55
9
0
0
26
45
0
0
81
54
93%
53%
5
2
Without Boundaries
Habitual Criminal
3
3
25
53
0
0
22
30
0
0
47
81
46%
79%
1
3
A Piece In An Odd Place + The Want
Tracksuit
3
3
114
35
0
0
28
22
0
4
142
61
108%
60%
8
10
Am I A Wandering Star
3
48
0
19
0
67
66%
5
Blending
Tuck In The Corners
No One Knows Everything
The Birds Conference
A Web Without
This Is Eden
3
3
3
3
3
3
39
40
49
68
30
42
0
0
0
0
0
0
27
12
15
41
25
25
0
0
12
0
0
0
66
52
76
109
55
67
65%
51%
75%
107%
54%
66%
5
4
5
10
6
5
Embryonic Zombie Butterfly
Echo + How Humans Can Fly
Trolls
Catherine: The Body Politic
Pancake Opus 100
3
3
3
3
3
46
66
75
18
25
0
0
0
0
0
20
27
26
14
26
0
0
0
0
0
66
93
101
32
51
65%
91%
99%
31%
50%
5
8
13
6
7
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
93
59
50
104
164
70
36
45
44
69
54
60
30
1706
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
55
29
19
52
50
44
30
37
29
28
28
19
893
0
0
0
32
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
50
114
79
123
248
120
82
75
81
98
82
88
49
2647
51%
117%
90%
83%
53%
109%
74%
79%
96%
80%
86%
48%
75%
10
2
8
15
9
13
10
5
10
7
6
3
214
Perf. No
5
5
Full
263
181
Conc
0
0
Guest
23
31
Other
0
0
Total Capacity %
23
77%
31
71%
No. Artists.
4
4
4
8
18
40
35
220
605
1304
0
0
0
0
0
101
48
203
0
0
0
0
Perf. No
16
21
21
2
Full
78
238
101
0
Conc
72
162
124
8
Study Sessions
Tours
3
10
90
118
NA
NA
NA
55
0
0
90
151
NA
NA
2
0
TOTALS
73
625
366
416
1623
3008
77%
39
Into The Shadows
The Nature Of Falling Short
Little Daughters
Of Cows, Women and War
The Feast
…nothing you need to know…'
Adam Smith's Shame
Sizwe Bansi Is Dead
The Greeks
Dog Day Trio
The Capital
Improvalogalog
TOTALS
La Mama For Kids
A Pocket Full Of Joy
Time Out
A Fairy Tale
Frank's Survival Guide to Freedom
April Underhill
TOTAL
La Mama Learning
Stray
Patient 12
The Parricide
Embodying Stories
Guest Other
107
1047
128
226
124
350
2
0
Total Capacity % No of Artists
107
105%
8
0
101
48
203
22%
87%
104%
72%
3
4
13
28
Total Capacity % No of Artists
1304
91%
10
754
60%
13
699
81%
12
10
NA
2
51
La Mama Musica
Musica February
Perf. No
1
Full
8
Conc
2
Guest
2
Other
0
Total
4
Capacity No of Artists
20%
2
Musica March
Musica April
1
1
1
3
4
2
3
0
0
0
7
2
20%
13%
4
2
I'll Be There - East Melbourne
I'll Be There - Geelong
Musica May
Musica June
1
1
5
10
3
15
3
1
0
0
6
16
28%
33%
4
3
I'll Be There - Morwell
Harmony Day - Workshops
Musica July
Musica September
1
1
6
7
0
17
0
3
0
0
0
20
10%
68%
3
3
Musica November
1
4
0
6
0
6
31%
6
Musica December
TOTALS
1
9
43
87
17
60
4
22
0
0
21
82
91%
35%
20
47
La Mama Poetica
Poetica February
Poetica April
Poetica June
Poetica September
Poetica November
TOTALS
Perf. No
1
1
1
1
1
5
Full
29
17
23
18
10
97
Conc
30
32
19
2
1
84
Guest
7
0
2
32
24
65
Other
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total Capacity % No of Artists
37
72%
4
32
57%
4
21
73%
4
34
80%
4
25
54%
4
149
67%
20
La Mama Playreadings
Love Taps
Palace of Culture
TRANS Collective - …
The Portage of Luke Ruschmeyer…
Witkacy Readings
Miss Julie Gabler
Le Beatrici
To The Naked Eye
Playing Sinatra
Duras Readings
TOTALS
Perf. No
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
Full
29
29
17
13
17
11
16
5
11
6
154
Con
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Guest
2
3
3
0
2
1
2
1
1
1
16
Other
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total Capacity % No of Artists
2
78%
8
3
80%
4
20
50%
6
0
20%
6
2
25%
2
1
20%
6
2
62%
3
1
15%
2
1
27%
5
1
18%
6
33
39%
48
La Mama Mobile
Two Mortals - Substation
Two Mortals - St. Andrews
Two Mortals - Upper Yarra
Button - Stratford Courthouse
Button - Upper Yarra
Button - Cororooke
RAV Showcase Sessions
TOTALS
Perf. No
4
2
1
1
Full
27
34
12
31
Conc
10
15
18
14
Guest
58
5
24
0
Other
0
9
0
0
Total Capacity % No of Artists
95
30%
11
54
71%
0
54
18%
0
45
64%
7
1
1
9
48
4
22
21
0
0
0
34
70
11%
90%
0
0
1
11
0
161
0
83
18
126
0
9
18
370
45%
47%
0
18
La Mama Community
Social Equity Pop Up Forum
Perf. No
1
Full
0
Conc
0
Guest
90
Other
0
Total Capacity % No of Artists
90
NA
10
1
1
52
18
41
30
0
0
0
0
41
30
62%
48%
35
35
1
14
35
0
15
0
8
80
0
0
23
80
39%
NA
35
5
Harmony Day - Performance
Uncle Vanya - Singing Workshop
1
1
0
0
0
0
1000
12
0
0
1000
12
NA
NA
8
2
Uncle Vanya - Community Reading
1
0
0
16
0
16
NA
1
Uncle Vanya - Development showing
AMES - Introduction Workshops
AMES - Devising Workshops
AMES - Dandenong
AMES - La Mama Courthouse
Coranderrk - State Library
1
2
12
4
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
120
12
350
45
240
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
120
12
350
55
240
NA
NA
NA
116%
94%
100%
12
2
12
12
12
6
Coranderrk Public Talk - Uni Melb
CNLC (Alive and Active)
TOTALS
1
1
44
0
0
105
0
0
86
23
36
2015
0
0
0
23
36
2147
38%
60%
70%
0
10
197
Perf. No
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
14
7
12
11
1
1
Full
0
0
0
0
16
0
0
0
200
0
597
465
0
0
Conc
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
150
0
243
194
0
0
Guest
50
18
300
100
2
150
40
0
22
190
111
111
22
200
Other
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Carlton Residents Association Christmas Party 1
Maggie Journal Launch
1
TOTALS
59
0
0
1278
0
0
587
35
50
1401
0
0
0
TOTALS 2014
La Mama Primary
Explorations
Perf. No
435
93
Full
4822
1706
Conc
4054
0
Guest
2903
893
Other
349
50
40
73
9
5
10
11
44
59
1304
625
87
97
154
161
105
1278
0
366
60
84
0
83
86
587
203
416
22
65
16
126
2015
1401
0
1623
0
0
0
9
0
0
1507
3008
169
246
170
370
2252
3426
72%
77%
35%
67%
39%
47%
70%
59%
28
39
47
20
48
18
197
205
779 10339
753
9402
5320
8159
8060
6242
2031
NA
25923
23803
61%
61%
1315
NA
-2839
1818
NA
2120
0%
NA
Other Events
WIRE Fundraiser
Wake In Fright Fundraiser
Season Launches
Wheelers Centre Lunchtime Talk
La Medea Benefit
Funeral - Phil Motherwell
Tribute to Margaret Cameron
End of Year Artists Party
Melbourne Writers Theatre Residency
Melbourne Writers Theatre Readings
Encore - My Life In The Nude
Encore - Mein Kampf
Platform Welcome Night
MEAA Info Session
La Mama for Kids
La Mama Learning
La Mama Musica
La Mama Poetica
La Mama Playreadings
La Mama Mobile
La Mama Community
Other Events
TOTALS 2014
TOTALS 2013
INCREASE/DECREASE
26
937
Total Capacity % No of Artists
50
NA
0
18
NA
8
300
NA
0
100
50%
0
18
23%
5
150
NA
0
40
NA
4
160
NA
110
372
83%
8
190
73%
20
951
66%
20
770
1%
9
22
NA
16
200
NA
0
35
50
3426
NA
NA
59%
0
5
205
Total Capacity % No of Artists
12128
66%
499
2647
75%
214
53
management REPORT
media higHlights
“… a powerful theatrical experience suffused with humour, beauty and emotional intelligence.”
- Cameron Woodhead, The Age (Two Mortals)
“... a heart-warming, humorous and honest play that reveals the best and worst of our society…
a wonderfully written story”
- Sofia Monkiewicz, ArtsHub (Stray)
“This impressive all-female production – cast, crew and creators, is visually stunning...
not to be missed”
- Melynda Von Wayward, Melb.Arts.Fashion (Dropped)
EXPLORATIONS 2014 Artists | Image: Dorine Blaise
Like every year, 2014 was a busy year at La Mama. In my first year of management, there was lots
to learn. I’d like to thank all the staff, and the broader La Mama community for their extraordinary
support. Thank you too to Theatre Network Victoria, City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria and Australia
Council for their support in this transition.
Early in 2014 La Mama was successful in obtaining an Unfunded Excellence grant from the Australia
Council. This one-off grant of $50,000, gave the opportunity for La Mama staff to spend the time on
partnerships and development. In December we heard news that we had been successful in our
application to Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation: (Survive and Thrive) to employ a Development
Manager part time for the next three years. This was a fantastic result and a direct outcome from
the Unfunded Excellence grant. Many thanks to both Australia Council and Lord Mayor’s Charitable
Foundation.
In 2014 we said farewell to our wonderful Treasurer of 16 years, Mark Rubbo. In his time at La
Mama, Mark has contributed enormously. We thank his for all his work and also thank his successor
Peter Shaw who filled this role. This seamless transition is to the credit of these magnificent men.
Also in 2014, La Mama employed FAME Group for all book-keeping work. The team at FAME
Group have been great to work with and I am very happy with the systems in place. In 2014 we
began de-brief meetings with all productions and the feedback has continued to be both positive
and helpful.
At the end of 2014 one of our House Managers Amber Hart went on Maternity Leave and Hayley
Fox filled this role. There were no other major staff changes in 2014. Dorine Blaise, on an internship
from France, joined the La Mama family, and did a fantastic job in developing La Mama’s Disability
Action Plan and Sustainability Plan.
La Mama’s audience figures are growing (25,923 in 2014 compared to 23,803 in 2013). With a total
of 155 unique productions (that’s a new production opening every 56 hours), La Mama is a hive of
activity year round.
Finally, in 2014 La Mama extended our liquor licence to allow drinks inside both theatres. This
resulted in many happy patrons! For the first time, La Mama hosted an end of year party and invited
all artists to celebrate the end of a great year. This was a fitting end to 2014 that reminded us all of
the joy that took place within the walls of this old factory.
Caitlin Dullard
Company Manager/Creative Producer
“It happens every year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. You’ve been fossicking
through a lot of lowbrow, navel-gazing, four-letter-word humour when, suddenly, you strike
gold...”
- Simon Plant, Herald Sun (Death in Bowengabbie)
“There is a unique voice here, with something intriguing to tell...
this gracious offering within the intimate La Mama space will illuminate and entertain”
- Wawick Moffat, Theatre Press (The Family Tree)
“The beauty of this play is that it simply invites the audience into a world full of innuendoes,
subversion, sabotage, frustration, irritation and put-downs which amount to a good
old-fashioned verbal mugging... it’s a triumph”
- Barbara Booth, ArtsHub (The Play’s The Thing)
“... a wonderful new Australian piece in which a strong message about patriotism and
remembrance will find a home in all of us.”
- Liam O’Byrne, Theatre People (Patient 12)
“Wilson’s presence is electrifying and all inclusive... What sets Unsex Me apart, what makes it
truly powerful, or powerfully true, is the subtext of sensitivity and delicacy.”
- James Jackson, Aussie Theatre (Unsex Me)
“... a gutsy expression by a wonderfully seasoned theatre maker this work is unique, empowering
and totally worth catching.”
- Suzanne Sandow, Stage Whispers (Cordelia, Mein Kind)
“... a fascinating night in the theatre, intellectually challenging and emotionally devastating. It’s
certainly rare to see theatre with this much on its mind, or with a better grasp on the subversive
power of laughter.”
- Tim Byrne, Arts Review (Mein Kampf)
55
57
59
No One Likes Me | Pictured: Darren Vizer | Image: Sarah Walker