1. A side view of the dark red weatherboard building that houses Red Stitch and a small courtyard
    Photograph: Supplied/Red Stitch Actors' Theatre
  2. Side view of red stitch at night lit by festoons
    Photograph: Supplied/Red Stitch Actors' Theatre
  3. A side view of the dark red weatherboard building that houses Red Stitch and a small courtyard
    Photograph: Supplied/Red Stitch Actors' Theatre

Red Stitch Actors Theatre

This tiny theatre venue and company punches well above its weight
  • Theatre
  • St Kilda
Ashleigh Hastings
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Time Out says

Since 2001, Red Stitch has built a reputation as one of Australia's most respected acting ensembles. The company's home base is an 80-seat converted church hall at the Astor end of Chapel Street, which has become a beloved icon of the St Kilda streetscape.

As a company created by and for a small ensemble of actors, Red Stitch has long been known as the little company that could. What it might lack in scale and budget, it more than makes up for in quality and contribution to Australian drama. So, come along to watch legends and emerging actors hone their craft in an intimate yet impressive space.

Want more? Check out the best theatre and musicals in Melbourne this month.

Details

Address
Rear
2 Chapel St
St Kilda
Melbourne
3183
Transport:
Nearby stations: Windsor
Opening hours:
Wed-Fri 8pm; Sat 4pm & 8pm; Sun 6.30pm

What’s on

Super

4 out of 5 stars
The modern myth of the superhero is a kind of wish fulfilment, though the concept of the “superman” or ubermensch comes from Friedrich Nietzsche’s 1883 work, Thus Spake Zarathustra. His idea was that humans would continually improve; a more ideal form is waiting for people in the future. Comic books find ways to speed along this evolution. So, we watch stories of heroes who fly, cannot be hurt, cannot be touched or, in some cases, are billionaires using their wealth for good. A real fantasy. Emilie Collyer’s new play, Super, which is currently running at Red Stitch Actor’s Theatre, is interested in more intimate powers that might help you day-to-day. Phoenix (Lucy Ansell) has the ability to dissipate someone’s anger; calm them down without a fight. Rae (Caroline Lee) brings people into her emotional vulnerability; if she cries, everyone else cries. And Nel (Laila Thacker) is so efficient, she can do the most basic tasks in the blink of an eye – and she can whip up a spreadsheet that will blow your mind. The origin story of Collyer’s latest dramatic work begins with a year of treatment for breast cancer. Her experience is deeply embedded in the play; these characters have been misdiagnosed or otherwise mistreated by the medical establishment. Their powers are pathologized or dismissed and they have to form their own support group to work their way through these radical changes. Phoenix is desperate to use her new ability ethically and with empathy. Nel has helped local...
  • Drama
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