STAGE GUIDE Performances to see this May

WORDS BY CHESTER OGILVIE

Victorian Pinup Pageant

Charles Gibson is credited as illustrating the first pinup in 1895, his designs becoming known as Gibson Girls. In its seventh year, the Victorian Pinup Pageant is a performance-based presentation where entrants are encouraged to achieve their personal best. Open to novices and the experienced alike, all categories are gender-neutral. This is all about promoting confidence, self-awareness and equality while celebrating the fashion and music of old. BALLARAT

Romeo And Juliet

Arguably Shakespeare’s most well-known work, the tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet first premiered in 1597. As it is today, it was one of the playwright’s most popular during his lifetime. From Romeo Must Die to Warm Bodies, adaptations have served film generously. Here, the Castlemaine Theatre Company, with direction from Rob Jorritsma, gives it a modern makeover, transporting the young lovers to the dark and gritty laneways and alleys of an inner city.

PHEE

CARL BARRON: SKATING RINK FOR FLIES

The most difficult questions often come from children. Muse, for example, ‘How do ants feel?’ It is this very question, asked of a teacher when Carl Barron was a small boy, that helps form his new show, Skating Rink for Flies. The most ponderous of ponderers tackles the things many of us think about in our quiet moments. Plastic bags, peanut butter and, of course, ants are all subjects here.

COSTA HALL, GEELONG 30 MAY–03 JUN

The World According To Dinosaurs

It starts innocently. You click on one link, then another, then another. Soon, you’ve forgotten to eat, your cat is scratching at your leg and you’re in the early hours. Created by Belle Hansen and Amelia Newman, The World According to Dinosaurs is a physical theatrical grandeur that tells the story of two friends meeting on the final day of human existence. This is a hyperlinked interrogation of globalisation through a palaeontology lens.

THE ENGINE ROOM, BENDIGO 17,18 MAY

Theatia Podsie Radio Play Festival

On the evening of October 30, 1938, the CBS Radio Network broadcast an Orson Welles-narrated and directed version of The World of the Worlds. It has a colourful place in history. Thanks to Emma Louise Watson, the art of the radio play is back in full swing with Theatia Podsie. Here, Someone New Theatre Company takes community stories and converts them into plays before recording and distributing them as podcast performances.

EASTERN HUB GEELONG 24–27 MAY

BLACK SUN / BLOOD MOON

In 2018, inspired by climate activist Greta Thunberg, the student-led Fridays for Future climate movement began. This important message is at the heart of Black Sun / Blood Moon. Ten-year-old Maddy and Katie, the assistant of a climate-denying politician, form a friendship as they set out to lend their voice to the chorus. Video and projection, life-size puppetry and a small cast of four present a fantastical quest for a better world. LIGHTHOUSE

Sydney Dance Company Presents Ascent

The Sydney Dance Company’s new production, Ascent, is a contemporary classical meets futuristic experimentation world featuring three innovative works. The triple bill features world premieres by Rafael Bonachela and Marina Mascarell, as well as the return of Antony Hamilton’s acclaimed Forever & Ever. Highlighted by a magnetic musical score and inventive installations, and driven by emotion and physicality, Ascent aims to move, excite and activate audiences.

ULUMBARRA THEATRE, BENDIGO 31 MAY

& JULIET

The basic premise is the question, ‘What if the ending we all know so well was just the beginning? What if Juliet chose her own fate?’ This hilarious, inspiring and poignant new musical is wrapped up in one of the most addictive and joyful soundtracks to ever hit the stage. Shakespeare gets a remix with some of the world’s most loved and glittering pop anthems from legendary songwriter Max Martin and collaborators, including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Kelly Clarkson, to name a few.

REGENT THEATRE,