OBSERVER: The Orchard


Cult theatre collective Pony Cam brings a cutting edge adaptation of the Anton Chekhov classic The Orchard to the Beckett Theatre, Malthouse from August 5-16.
Following their acclaimed original works Burnout Paradise (Rising) and Grand Theft Theatre (Melbourne Fringe Festival), Pony Cam co-creators and performers Claire Bird, Ava Campbell, William Strom, Dominic Weintraub and Hugo Williams have this year set their dramaturgical sights on the Russian master’s timeless tale of social change, loss, and the clash between old and new.
Malthouse Executive Producer and CEO Vivia Hickman said: “Pony Cam is hot property in theatre right now, for good reason. They have an almost uncanny ability to tackle the important issues in our zeitgeist with equal parts sincerity and whimsy.
“We are delighted to have the company back in the building, this time as part of our 2025 season, and can’t wait to see what poignant splendor they transpose into the world of Russia’s most famed playwright.”
This playful, postmodern interpretation of Chekhov’s final masterpiece will see the theatremakers take on remnants of a redundant cherry orchard, a crumbling climate and a failing economy.
Pony Cam Collective shared: “We can’t wait to invite audiences into The Orchard. While we will be visiting a distant estate in Russia, our Orchard will be much closer to home. One that is torn between doomed inheritances and impossible expectations. There will be real indecision, real failure, real gambling, cheap champagne, and a dangerous proposition.”
Performance Season: August 5-16
Venue: The Beckett Theatre, Malthouse, Southbank.
Further details and bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au