Observer

OBSERVER: Savages at Theatre Works

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Patricia Cornelius wrote Savages in 2013 partly in response to the death of Dianne Brimble on a cruise ship in 2002.The work examines the misogynistic conduct of four men whose aggression, entitlement and ignorance epitomise the worst of the manosphere.Director Kitan Petkovski has chosen to cast women in these four roles in the current Theatre…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Shows Warrandyte Theatre Company: Boeing Boeing (by Marc Camoletti) Until September 12 at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, Yarra St., Warrandyte. Directors: Tegan DeClark and Taryn Johns, Bookings: trybooking.com/au/event/1606177 Powderkeg Players: Closer (by Patrick Marber) Until September 19 at St Albans Senior Citizens Centre, 171 William St., St Albans. Director: Del Jordan. https://www.trybooking.com/DNOFM Heidelberg Theatre Company: Crimes…

OBSERVER: The Nightline

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

n Never having rung in to a nightline, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.From the first steps via an exterior four level set of stairs, after cold, firm instructions from a sort of strict principal “concierge”, door entry permitted full viewing of a space with 40 separate round tables.Each had its own tightly focussed…

OBSERVER: Opera Australia 2027

Opera Australia has announced that its 2027 Melbourne season will return to full repertory programming in the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne.OA’s Director of Planning and Programming, Ruth Thomas said: “We’re really excited to be back in the Ian Potter State Theatre for our 2027 season – presenting a program…

OBSERVER: Wyndham play reading

While Wyndham Theatre Company awaits completion of essential maintenance works at their theatre, they will be hosting play readings and theatre workshops.These sessions are regarded as a relaxed and enjoyable way to stay connected, meet other members, develop new skills and experience the creative side of community theatre. All are welcome to attend, whether a…

OBSERVER: Burn The Floor

More performances have been released for the return of Burn the Floor with Luminous at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne from September 11-19.This ‘spectacular collision of Ballroom, Latin and Contemporary dance’ will feature champion dancers selected from around the world, with live musicians and singers.At the helm is Jason Gilkison, the creative force who has…

OBSERVER: Ballad of Dan O’Malley

Paul Mitchell’s The Ballad of Dan O’Malley: A Football Tragedy is based on the actual events surrounding the Melbourne Demons tanking scandal.In 2009, allegations erupted that the Demons intentionally lost matches to secure top draft picks for the club. The club was eventually hit with sanctions and a hefty penalty for bringing the game into…

OBSERVER: The Sacrifice of Farinelli

Having its Australian premiere, the play The Sacrifice of Farinelli is a bold undertaking by Subverse Theatre which asks the question “What price the pursuit of perfection?”Set in the 18th century, two Italian brothers who live for music are Riccardo and Carlo Broschi.Riccardo is a composer while Carlo, a singer with a heavenly falsetto voice,…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

The 1812 Theatre: Treasure Island (by Ken Ludwig) Until August 29 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Erin O’Hare. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au24th South Gippsland One Act Play Festival (FAMDA – Foster Arts Music and Drama Association) August 29-30Details and tickets: vdl.org.au/vdl-event/24th-south-gippsland-one-act-play-festival/Brighton Theatre Company: The Trouble with Harry (by Lachlan Philpott) Until August 29 at the Bayside…