PROGRESSIVE
Storytelling with global resonance.
This program develops pathways for emerging artists and stories, inspires partnerships with interstate organisations and builds a foundation of cultural infrastructure within the organisation and sector. It features work by and for historically excluded communities supported by our unique community engagement model and establishes long-term, consistent relationships with First Nations, Black and/or people of colour, queer, trans, Disabled and/or d/Deaf communities.
Program Highlights
seven methods of killing kylie jenner (2021, 2022): Developed in collaboration with independent theatre company, Green Door, this production demonstrates DTC’s commitment to culturally influential theatre. Created by a full team of women of colour, this work challenged and engaged audiences through a community engagement strategy developed by a collective of Black women. The received critical acclaim resulted in interstate seasons at La Boite, QLD and Malthouse, VIC.
Overflow (2022): The first mainstage Australian production with an all trans and gender diverse team. Big Blak Bang (2023): First Nations festival of art entirely led and programmed by First Nations artists.
Benched (2022): A one person show about the Disabled experience, created and led by an all Disabled company.
New Australian Work, including The Sound of Waiting (2018), I’m With Her (2019) and Rainbow’s End (2018).
Our progressive program celebrates all forms of cultural expression establishing Darlinghurst not just as Theatre Company, but “experience maker.”
Community centered and led presentations of an Auslan burlesque body positive festival (Big Thick Energy), national drag sensation (Yummy), Pacifika slam poetry night (Revolution Renegage), First Nations storytelling (Still, I Rise) and Haitian live music cabaret (M’ap Boule). Festivals featuring variety of performers and partners that align with our values of equity and inclusion such as Bloom Festival with the People of Cabaret and World Pride.
Audience participation Surveys
40%
of Stay Woke audiences identify as black and/or person of colour
55%
of Benched audiences identify as Disabled
60%
of Overflow audience identify as queer
WORD ON THE STREETS…
Big Thick Energy Image by Robert Catto
Community and Artist Statements
Dr Jessica Olivieri, Artistic Director, Urban Theatre Projects
We were so excited to see an audience that reflected the identity politics in the work - the audience consisted of predominantly Africa Australian diaspora, the queer community and the disability community. This is in large part due to the work that DTC has put into audience development over the last three years. I look forward to working with the team again in the future.
Cassie Hamilton, Actor and Creative (Let The Right One In, Overflow)
There is truly no company in Sydney, arguably all of Australia, that is as dedicated to telling high-quality, diverse, and cutting-edge stories. Every show I have seen at DTC I have left with the profound feeling that I have seen theatre as I have never seen it before.
Effie Nkrumah, Lead Community Engagement Coordinator (seven methods of killing kylie jenner)
DTC are intentional in their pursuit of reaching unseen communities. Fearless and strong in this work, standing out as trailblazers in creating space that isn’t tokenistic but organic, genuine. Over the next few years, many diverse artists, audiences and staff will credit DTC for their entry into the sector.
Renee Dudfield, Creative Producer, Arts Center Melbourne
With equity and inclusion at the forefront of their vision theatre becomes a place for ALL PEOPLE at Darlo. The sector must learn from this radical company and their joyful, innovative program. I’m thrilled to be in conversation with Amylia about presenting Overflow and opportunities to collaborate in the future.
Dr. Christopher Bryant, Playwright
Darlinghurst Theatre Company continues to pave the way for the theatre sector with genuine access & inclusion for performers and audience alike. For an independent company to place inclusion at the forefront of their mission is impressive, and I believe the dividends of supporting them would be countless. As a disabled artist, I'm proud to support DTC's application.
Felicity Nicol, Mamalian, Guardian Reflex, WorldPride
Darlinghurst Theatre Company is Sydney's epicentre of artistic excellence, experimentation and community, bringing new and diverse audiences to the arts.
seven methods of killing kylie jenner Image by Robert Catto
In the Media
Sydney Morning Herald
The festival that wants to shove ‘fatphobia’ in people’s faces.
”I think it’s a really powerful thing for people to see,” Jeff McCann says. “I didn’t get to see that sort of representation growing up. For anyone bringing kids to some of the events, seeing someone performing on stage and loving their body, that’s incredible.”
Why Shakira Clanton will never give up
Sydney Morning Herald
I think we need to move past the idea that there can only be one kind of Indigenous woman. There are so many uniquely incredible and talented Indigenous artists whose voices have yet to be heard.
The Darlo's back, joyously rebirthing the Eternity Playhouse with a cornucopia of live performance
Time Out Sydney
“The world has changed and, as an arts organisation, we must listen and respond. We can’t simply pick up where we left off. It’s time to explore the new normal…” Amylia Harris.
Rise up: How stage show I'm With Her is putting women's voices first
“Just being able to say our pathway has not been easy, and this is why and why we are wanting to change it. We are a force to be reckoned with, let our voices be heard too, because they are just as important as anyone else is this room.” - Shakira Clanton
We Are Here Image by Robert Catto
Critical Review
[Trans] people have seen themselves represented in a way that you don't get to see often on Australian stages, and they are vocal about it and feel like they're part of the conversation.
Celebrity culture, Twitter and the commodification of Black women all combine in a potent brew
[seven methods] is a testament to the way in which theatre is there to bring community together.
The traditional barriers of the theatre don't exist here. The piece is temporal, interactive, and immersive, with a rotating roster of special guests joining Jamila on the bench throughout the season.
Nancy Denis captivates the audience with her debut work M'AP BOULE
[Director] Anthea Williams deftly crafts the night so that Nancy Denis's work has the most effective impact. “I moved to the beats, laughed whole heartedly, shed tears at the injustice and atrocities and was glassy eyed for the joy of life.”
Big Thick Energy 2021
