Yoga Play | La Boite Theatre
In this world of consumerism gone mad, Yoga Play highlights the (laugh out loud) paradox of the practice of yoga between the West (California) and the East (India) using satire to bridge the gap between ludicrous and rational.
AI May - Embodi Theatre
AI May is a play that explores grief, and the ways in which we process it, or the ways in which we do not. It is a slice of tomorrow-styled science fiction, or as it totes itself, futuristic realism, wherein potential technologies of artificial technology have become commonplace in the not-too-distant future, replacing social services and healthcare and other daily essentials.
Harpies | Eli Free
At times graceful and at others deliberately repugnant, these actors gave their all for this show, creating a sense of community with each other and their audience as they progressed. They also involved other artistic elements including electric guitar, puppetry and roving, and it was clear that this is a multi talented, local cast.
Private View | Restless Dance Theatre
Private View is a work that encourages us to dream wildly and let others dream wildly of the love, desire, kindness, lust, and affection we all deserve. It shows us its dreams and gently invites us to remove the barricades and barriers we have within our own. And, with every dream it liberates, I know it changes our world for the better. It’s just bloody lovely, is what it is.
Adrift | Counterpilot
If we think in terms of pure impact? In terms of that basic audience question of - well, what did it matter? It’s hard for me not to call Adrift some kind of masterpiece.
Dear Brother | Queensland Theatre & BlakDance
Boundary-defying and incredibly heartfelt, Dear Brother is a show unlike any I have seen at Queensland Theatre before; it is truly a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the heart.
GURR ERA OP | Ghenoa Gela in association with Force Majeure & ILBIJERRI Theatre Company
GURR ERA OP is a cautionary tale - yet another timely warning of the very real danger that creator Ghenoa Gela’s Torres Strait Islander communities are having to face with their ancestral homes slowly being devoured by the increasingly rising oceans. There was an undeniable underlying darkness as we were swept up in this engrossing production and the reality of the devastating effects of climate change.
Fancy Long Legs | La Boite Theatre & Little Red Company
Honestly, it’s the type of work I’d like to see championed by platforms like Brisbane Festival and La Boite as a general rule. It’s local, it’s ambitious, it’s kind, it’s inclusive, it’s fun... So why did it annoy me so?
Meet Your Maker | Alethea Beetson & Blak Social
Captivating and clever in its rendition, Ken Weston’s video design skills are certainly praiseworthy. Beetson’s one-woman performance doesn’t miss a beat as she sings, dances, plays instruments and interacts with these high calibre videos that unfold sequentially across the dominant screen. Her interaction with each is truly commendable and authentic in its fast-paced delivery and simultaneously, convincing enough to blur the boundary of video versus Beetson’s on-stage presence.
The No Bang Theory | Oliver Hetherington-Page
The show itself is a delight, but it stands out against the current landscape of mainstream theatre - Hetherington-Page’s call to action for greater representation and platforming of neurodiverse artists within theatre spaces is a powerful act.
Volcano | Luke Murphy's Attic Projects
I knew about ten minutes into the final episode that I would be giving this work a standing ovation and did so with a swiftness I’ve not afforded another work perhaps ever, and my fellow audience members did not hesitate to join me. Haunting, evocative, captivating: Volcano is utterly brilliant, utterly utterly brilliant.
Our hot picks for BrisFest 2024
Spring is in the air and what does that mean for Magandjin / Meeanjin? It’s time for BrisFest! Running from 30 August to 21 September this year, we’re once again spoilt for choice with some epic offerings of theatre, circus, musicals, dance, cabaret, live music, installations and so much more. This is way too much goodness in the program for this year’s festival, so who better to turn to than the writers of NEHIB to let you know what you simply must see at BrisFest this year.
Psycho Beach Party | The X Collective
High camp is the name of the game here peoples. From beginning to end Psycho Beach Party is irreverent, tongue-n-cheek, tasteless, and an utter giggle-fest. The play ends, the cast bows and all I had to say was “that was deeply, deeply silly”. And I need you to understand that in this context that is a massive compliment.
Disney Off Ice | Observatory Theatre
Pre-recorded videos of the actors' faces were projected on screen during moments of tension while the actrs were performing live in front of the projections. This was a really impactful stylist choice for the work, which heightened the performances of the actors.
As Told By The Boys Who Fed Me Apples | Lachlan Driscoll
There is so much to highlight from this excellent production—particularly the soundscape, acting, and production design/direction … Actors Robert Wainwright and Riley Finn Anderson communicate the fear and horrors of the journeys and battles, and build a real sense of the loving and trusting relationship established between each of the ‘boys’ and their horse.
“Letting Disney loose on a future world is going to dredge up all sorts of chaos.” Oliver Gough on Disney Off Ice
The show is about a world we might live in and what a Disney can represent. It certainly plays with the figure of Walt, and is interested in his personality, history, and legacy… Disney’s a fascinating person; letting him loose on a future world post-cryonic unfreezing is going to dredge up all sorts of chaos from many places.
Plied and Prejudice | Woodward Productions and De Bortoli
The cast is dynamic, the script is a right knee-slapper, and the audience is encouraged to drink and interact with show responsibly throughout. If you’re an Austen lover, a Bridgeton baddie, or a period drama lover in general this is the show for you; I truly can’t recommend this more highly.
Cost of Living | Queensland Theatre
Co-Director Priscilla Jackman has been relentless in pursuing the idea of staging Cost of Living in Australia for the first time when she first stumbled on the script in 2019! Working with Co-Director and star Dan Daw, the two powerhouses of the theatre world have crafted a production that goes beyond how a disability is perceived, putting the focus front and centre on the interdependence of individuals, both disabled and able bodied.
37: The play that exposes the dark underbelly of Footy
This is an excellent show par none that can be enjoyed by both arts and footy lovers. By including the vessels of sportsmanship, authenticity, integrity and an outstanding dialogue, this quality production aptly conveys the community spirit, thrilling energy and intense physicality of this much loved and popular sport. The talented ensemble tackles the deep themes that writer Nathan Maynard covers in this play with humour, energy and a whole lot of heart particularly when the top dogs are pitted against the underdogs.
When The Rain Stops Falling | Brisbane Arts Theatre
When The Rain Stops Falling will bring you an experience of sorrow, love, life and death in the same heartbeat. This is a beautifully written and wonderfully performed theatre piece, you do not want to miss it.