Essential Theatre Brings Exciting New Works to Melbourne

Five female artists make up two of Melbourne's most exciting indie theatre companies. They come together to present this world premiere at La Mama from February 20th - March 4th.

This is a dynamic and unique collaboration. Essential Theatre are leaders within the theatrical landscape having recently come back from a successful international tour to Edinburgh garnering 5 star reviews. Three Birds Theatre are passionate young VCA graduates, recently acknowledged with a Green Room nomination for their work. This is the first time these companies have come together.

"We are constantly inspired by their (Three Birds) energy and their fresh approach to creating work" says Amanda LaBonte, co-Artistic Director of Essential Theatre. "Drama school was many moons ago for us, in fact it was over 20 years ago when Sophie and I graduated - things have changed, new styles, ideas, approaches. We saw their work late 2016 as part of the Poppyseed Festival and immediately saw similarity in our work - heightened and physical. We were attracted to their energy"

Essential Theatre has over 16 years experience within the industry and has developed a strong reputation for delivering exciting, accessible and imaginative Shakespearian productions. Their main activity "Shakespeare in the Vines" sees some of the Bard's most popular shows tour to vineyards across Australia and New Zealand. Three Birds Theatre emerged in 2015 and have quickly established themselves as a theatre company to watch out for, having work recently acknowledged with a nomination from The Green Room Awards. They are intelligent and thought provoking theatre makers.

Both companies recognise a real excitement in combining their unique talents to create this bold, funny and poignant theatrical experience.Drawing from the traditional world of Shakespeare, Enter Ophelia will surprise audiences with it's dark dramatic turns and fantastical comic moments.

CAST: Candace Miles, Madelaine Nunn, Anna Rodway, Amanda LaBonte, Sophie LampelDIRECTOR: John Kachoyan
VENUE: La Mama Theatre, Faraday Street, CarltonDATES: Feb 20 - March 4 TIME: Tues/Wed 6:30pm, Thurs - Sat 7:30pm, Sun 4pm (70 minutes)
TO BOOK TICKETS - visit lama.com.au or 03 9347 6142Full $30 / Concession $20