Leviathan
Plays
Sat 18 September at 7pm and Sun 19 September at 3pm
Information
Leviathan
Adapted and directed by Stefo Nantsou
Based on the book Leviathan – The Unauthorized Biography of Sydney by John Birmingham
Sydney Theatre Company, together with Hurstville and Liverpool City Councils, is delighted to announce a partnership that will bring a new Australian production to Sydney’s stages. Leviathan bridges the artistic worlds of the inner city and the south west, and plunges itself into our seadwelling city’s colourful history.
STC Resident Director, Stefo Nantsou, has adapted John Birmingham’s award-winning novel, Leviathan: The Unauthorised Biography of Sydney, into a multi-faceted, collaborative theatre piece showcasing Sydney Theatre Company’s permanent ensemble of actors, The Residents, alongside a large and diverse group of Sydney’s community performance groups. The work will come to life at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre on 18 and 19 September, and Liverpool’s
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre on 24 September, before culminating in a special performance at Sydney Theatre Company’s Open Day at The Wharf, Walsh Bay, in December 2010.
Leviathan is a sprawling non-fictional examination of Sydney, blending factual recreations of early penal settlement, brutal accounts of racism and abuse, and powerful stories of Sydney’s migrant history. Adaptor and Director Stefo Nantsou, a Macedonian Australian, has worked in collaboration with both professional and non-professional performers from all backgrounds to create this unique, large-scale production.
Sydney Theatre Company Co-Artistic Directors Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett said: “Birmingham’s book is rich with drama, comedy, characters and events which leap off the page and are ripe for theatrical adaptation. We’re thrilled Sydney Theatre Company is expanding its outreach within our city and collaborating with many artists who represent our thriving multicultural performance communities.”
The Residents will be performing with members of the Lucy Dance School, Georges River College, Abhinay School of Performing Arts, Arkana College, Macedonian Australian Theatre, Kogarah Concert Band, Chinese virtuoso musician Manija Luo, The Bosnian School, Liverpool City Brass Band, Good Samaritan College and more.
Stefo Nantsou, who is also artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Zeal Theatre, has been working as an actor, writer and director for over 30 years, specialising in creating original productions for theatres, festivals and schools. His plays have been translated and produced in over 20 countries including the National Theatre in London, Muz Theater in Amsterdam, the New Victory Theater in New York and Kolibri Theatre in Budapest.
This project is supported by the STC Foundation. Sydney Theatre Company acknowledges the generous support of The Resident Donors.
Venue
Marana Auditorium, Hurstville Entertainment Centre
Price
$20
Bookings
9330 6084