In Development: Fruit Box Theatre’s ‘Sex. Riot. Repeat.’ by Felicity Nicol Supported by DTC

Second development of Sex. Riot. Repeat. at Bondi Pavillion. Photo by Matias Aravena courtesy of Waverley Council.

Founded by Madeleine Gandhi and Sean Landis in 2021, Fruit Box Theatre is an independent LGBTQIA+ theatre company based in Sydney/Gadigal. They’ve been in the building this week for the third development of Felicity Nicol’s new show Sex. Riot. Repeat. We’re proud to support Fruit Box Theatre and to help usher in the new wave of queer Australian storytelling.

We chatted to Fruit Box Theatre about the show - which shines the spotlight on Australian Queer History - and the importance of independent theatre within the wider theatrical ecosystem.

Tell us a little bit about Fruit Box Theatre:

Our mission is to represent and explore the full spectrum of queer lived experience – beyond tropes of shame, isolation and discomfort.  Fruit Box Theatre’s community-based practice aims to strengthen queer representation, wellbeing, and collaboration in Australia’s arts sector. We take original creative works from conception to fruition by partnering and connecting with our community.

Fruit Box Theatre co-founders Madeleine Gandhi and Sean Landis photo by Matthew Micelli

Sex. Riot. Repeat sounds like a rollicking good time! Can you tell us more about the show and the development process so far?

Sex. Riot. Repeat. by Felicity Nicol (formerly titled Political Animals) is a kaleidoscopic ride through party, politics and protest in Australian LGBTQIA+ history: from 1978 to 2078. 

Offered as a timely homecoming for queer audiences, Sex. Riot. Repeat reveals the grit behind the glitter of social activism and the power of pride. Led by a queer powerhouse ensemble, Sex. Riot. Repeat. platforms community activists from history and blends physical theatre with projection, archival footage and verbatim.

A history lesson like you’ve never experienced, Sex. Riot. Repeat is a gift to Australia’s queer community so that we might better know where we've come from – and remember that the fight isn’t over. 

Felicity Nicol began developing the work after identifying the gaps in her own knowledge of Australian Queer History. Over the multi-year development process, Felicity has consulted with 78ers (those who marched in the first Mardi Gras in 1978), rainbow youth, activists, dancers and performers. Her research has spanned Hansard, personal interviews, archival materials, photography and pop culture. This 2024 development at Darlinghurst Theatre Company is the final step in the long road of development. With support from Create NSW, the work has already undergone an initial development with Inner West Council, followed by a second development through Waverley Council's Bondi Pavilion Housewarming Program. 

We are excited to share Sex. Riot. Repeat fully with audiences in 2025!

Photo by Matias Aravena courtesy of Waverley Council.

Tell us more about Fruit Box Theatre’s relationship with Darlinghurst Theatre Company:

With the support of Darlinghurst Theatre Company over the past year, Fruit Box Theatre has been able to develop two original queer productions – Sex. Riot. Repeat. and Big Screen, Small Queen by Etcetera Etcetera. The provision of rehearsal space, performance space, technical support, marketing and printing has removed key barriers to development.

Space and time are valuable currencies in Sydney’s independent theatre scene. We are so grateful for the resources, flexibility and support that Darlo has offered Fruit Box during our period in residence. With this freedom, Fruit Box’s creative projects have been able to take shape, experiment and create opportunities for as many LGBTQIA+ independent artists as possible.

In the upcoming week-long development of Sex. Riot. Repeat. at Darlo, we will work with a wonderful intersectional team of actors, creatives and community consultants to put the finishing touches on this beautiful show culminating in an industry showcase.

The independent arts sector in Sydney (and Australia at large) is a thriving yet delicate space - what do you think about the current state of independent arts?

A healthy independent arts sector is essential to the sustainability of Australia’s broader arts ecology. This is why it is so important for larger, established companies like Darlo to embrace and amplify independent organisations like Fruit Box. This support has ripple effects across the industry and creates pathways for future work.

Independent theatre is not just a step on the road to the mainstage – it can be its own destination. It offers a unique playground to test ideas, play with artforms, allow artists to take risks, build working relationships and nurture talent. 

Making independent theatre is all about trust, teamwork, respect and collaboration. In the context of highly limited space, funding and programming, independent art is almost always a labour of love. The development and production process should be inclusive, supportive and positive for everyone involved (including artists, arts workers, stage managers, technicians, producers and more). Ask questions, listen to other points of view with respect, and always be ready to learn.

Learn more about Fruit Box Theatre at www.fruitboxtheatre.com.au and follow them on socials at @fruitboxtheatre