This performance is presented as part of the VCA Master of Theatre (Directing) Graduate Season.

Hope, Dread and Responsibility

Co-created and devised
Directed by Karina White

An immersive theatrical experience of humanity returning to nature.

Hope, Dread and Responsibility is an immersive journey into the chaos we’ve created. How did we end up here? Who caused the damage, and who carries the weight of repair? As future humans, audiences enter a world on the brink, facing the fallout of the past while imagining what might still be possible.

Read more about the Master of Theatre (Directing) graduates presenting this season.

Season

Preview: Wednesday 24 September, 7PM
Performance: Thursday 25 September, 4PM
Performance: Thursday 25 September, 7PM

Ticket Price

General Admission: $5

Credits

Director: Karina White
Co-creators: Matty Barker, James Burchett, Henry Kent, Julia Landberg, Lucinda Miller, and Karina White.
Cast: Matty Barker, Henry Kent, Julia Landberg and Lucinda Miller
Dramaturg: James Burchett
Set Designer: Kate Carrington
Sound Composer: Merrick Craven

Content Note

This performance contains references to: Blood extraction (suggested, stylised, and metaphorical), Systemic violence and exploitation, Climate collapse and environmental destruction, Surveillance and control, Themes of death, dehumanisation, and bodily autonomy, Loud sounds, low lighting, and sensory overload in some areas. Confined or shifting spaces (audiences may be asked to move through narrow or dimly lit areas). This is an immersive experience involving optional movement through multiple rooms. Audiences are welcome to participate at their own pace and can exit at any time.

Runtime

This performance will run for approximately 60 minutes without an interval.

Venue

This performance takes place in Martyn Myer Arena, accessible via Lionel's Lounge. Please enter Lionel's Lounge via Grant Street, Southbank, to be admitted to the performance space by front of house staff.

Image: MESS, 2025. Image by Karina White

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine. More information.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.
In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.
Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.