Theatre Works 2022 Launch

Theatre Works 2022 Launch

50 Productions, 8 Works in Development, 7 Artist Development Programs, 7 Festival Seasons, and 1 additional multi-purpose new artist space.

After nearly two years of lockdowns, cancellations, funding cuts, and never-ending uncertainty, Melbourne's iconic Theatre Works is moving forward into 2022 with their trademark innovation, tenacity, and unflinching dedication to Australia's independent arts sector.

Running on the 28th of November from 7pm at the new Explosives Factory, this years' Launch is a hybrid Live-Streamed and in-person event. With the in-person event already fully booked out, the wider arts community are encouraged to join the festivities online when they are Live-Streamed from 7:30pm.

Located around the corner from the much-loved Acland St venue, the new Explosives Factory is a versatile workshop and development space complete with accommodation, bathroom, and kitchen facilities. This exciting setting will house new programs and also act as a year-round rehearsal spot to partnering artists. During Festivals it will be activated as a versatile 60 seat performance venue and, if needed, also provide a smaller and more intimate space for works less suited to the Theatre Works main space. And yes, it was an actual Explosives Factory in it's past life.

An artist first organisation, Theatre Works has long existed to support emerging, established, local, national, and international artists. This crucial new growth of the organisation, as they move into their 41st year, highlights how they have prevailed for over four decades - acting as a vital springboard for hundreds of thousands of artists and arts makers in that time.

We want to be there from the start and be an integral part of the evolution of the artist and the development of their work.", highlights Theatre Works Executive Director Dianne Toulson.

"We haven't been cautious about going big and bold in 2022. We are better resourced and focused than we have ever been and this will be reflected in what can only be described as a massively diverse and eclectic year. It's not a recovery year for us - while there are productions that have been reprogrammed, it will be a year of exciting shows providing a myriad of outcomes for artists.

We firmly hold our place in the eco system as a unique producer of independent work. Artists and the arts have struggled so much over the past two years so we're keenly aware that what we do in 2022 will feed the future of theatre across Australia, supporting the recovery of an industry that has been decimated by the lack of vision and investment by governments."

From January, Theatre Works will storm into 2022 and act as a vibrant hub to 5 Festivals in the first three months of the year; Mullet Festival, Midsumma, First Stories, Radical Acts Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival welcome audiences to the venues with a mix of reprogrammed work, First People led stories, and Victorian Arts Calendar favourites.

Following throughout the year, the organisation will support the creation of a vast array of works with new development and inhouse programming including (but not limited to) Associate Artists, She Writes, a Deakin University Partnership, Little Legends and Regional Arts Development and Accommodation Residencies.

Access and inclusion is also a constant driving force behind the creative programming and audience development focus at Theatre Works. They are in a frequent process of reassessing the venue (highlighted by their 20/21 Glasshouse), programming, and approach to embrace neuro-atypical audiences, people living with disability, mental illness, financial or social disadvantage. This also includes women, young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+ and other community members.

Known for their endurance and ongoing commitment to Australia's arts community, join Theatre Works this November as they smash open their 2022 program and move into the most exciting chapter in the evolution of the organisation. 

Theatre Works 2022 Launch
28 November, 7pm (online from 7:30pm)

Live - Stream available here