2023 Top 5 Picks!
Hey there, I’m Henry!
I’m a performer based in Meanjin, and co-owner of Next Door Theatre.
I’m originally from Adelaide and moved to Brisbane in 2021 to complete a Bachelor of Screen & Stage (Acting) at the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory.
This year, I’m stoked to be interning with the Anywhere Festival team and wanted to give you the lowdown on my top picks for Anywhere Festival 2023 in Brisbane!
So here they are, in no particular order: my Top 5 Picks for Anywhere Festival 2023!
SAFE: WRITTEN BY TONY GLAZER AND ANTHONY RUIVIVAR
This darkly comedic thriller is a perfect blend of survival and cautionary tales, making it a must-see for anyone who loves theatre that challenges and subverts genre conventions. With unexpected twists and turns, it’s sure to keep audiences engaged and guessing until the very end.
As someone who has had the pleasure of working alongside the talented cast of Hereafter Production Co., I can confidently say that they are a group of skilled performers who are sure to deliver an unforgettable performance. Their passion for their craft is evident in every aspect of their work, and I have no doubt that they will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Moreover, the historic location at the former nurses’ quarters in Herston adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already thrilling production. This unique setting provides the perfect backdrop for Hereafter Production Co. to showcase their creativity and talent, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.
18th, 19th, 20th & 21st of May @ Edith Cavell Building (Herston Quarter)
34 Scenes About the Weather is an innovative theatre production that immediately caught my eye as a must-see show of 2023. The experimental piece delves into the various ways in which weather impacts our lives and the conversations that it can spark, and promises to offer a unique and thought-provoking experience for its audience.
The fact that it features a variety of playwrights from different stages in their writing career, including award winners, adds an exciting element to the production. It’s also so great and inspiring to see emerging theatre-making team, Lunch Friend, taking on such an ambitious project.
I would recommend this show to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human connection and the impact of seemingly simple conversation starters.
19th, 20th, & 21st of May @ The Paint Factory
If you’re a fan of interactive theatre experiences that transport you into the story and invite you to play a part, then The Reunion is a show that you is sure to hit the mark!
Boasting a skilled cast and an original premise, this production is certain to provide an evening of amusement and enjoyment. As a Meanjin-based theatre group, Minerva Theatre Co. has piqued my interest for some time, but I have yet to witness their performances – I will certainly be seeing this one!
I have, however, had the opportunity to act alongside the immensely talented Lachie Mackie in Next Door Theatre’s rendition of All in the Timing earlier this year, which has left me eagerly anticipating this upcoming production and has me convinced that it will be a must-see show!
11th, 12th, 13th, 18th & 19th of May @ Blutes Bar
For those seeking a captivating and contemplative theatrical experience that blends various genres and maintains an air of suspense, Kill the Canvas is the perfect show to attend.
Making its debut at this year’s Anywhere Festival, this innovative and daring production is sure to impress. I am excited to witness how Ashlee Cairns and the talented cast will transform the Fringe Brisbane venue, all while championing new creations and up-and-coming artists.
As a co-owner of Next Door Theatre, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Ashlee for several years, both as a performer and a collaborator. I continue to be impressed by her creativity and dedication, and I am confident that Kill the Canvas will be a testament to these qualities.
11th, 12th, 13th & 20th of May @ Fringe Brisbane Building
Get ready to be swept away by a truly immersive and captivating theatre experience with A Drop Too Many. This site-specific performance takes you on a journey through the dramatic ebbs and flows of drought and flood in Australia. The show is set in the stunning melaleuca wetlands at Cannon Hill Anglican College, where the natural environment provides a stunning and atmospheric backdrop for this powerful production.
What makes A Drop Too Many so unique is the way it combines spoken word, fluid movement, and moving visuals to create a fully immersive experience that will leave you spellbound. From the cracked, dusty ground of drought-stricken landscapes to the rising inland seas of flooded areas, this ensemble of engaging performers will take you on a journey through real stories of joy and hardship, physicalizing the extreme climate events that shape our country.
Directed by Maxi Mossman, a company member of physical theatre group Zen Zen Zo, this debut production is a celebration of the resilience of communities in the face of disaster and a call to action to protect our planet.
9th, 10th, 11th & 12th of May @ Cannon Hill Anglican College
