Kindness

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

Kindness

Written by Matthew Whittet
Directed by Simon Porro

When faced with unimaginable grief, a group of 20-year-olds are there for each other in the only way they know how – with ridiculous stupidity, blunt honesty, and unconditional joy.

"I feel like I’ve got a hole in my chest… it’s getting bigger.”

Lukas isn’t in a good place. He hasn’t been for some time.

A gentle soul with a love for ancient night skies, he has fallen into a deep and complicated grief. One that he can’t pull himself out of. He can feel history repeating and black holes opening up. But this isn’t who he is. In fact, he doesn’t even recognise the person he’s become.

His friends Claude, Song and Dylan decide they can’t sit by and watch anymore. Tenderly and with great patience, they start to tell each other stories. Of the moments they all met. Of the times they were complete idiots and the happiness they’ve shared together. They tell these stories because they know their friend Lukas also needs to tell his. His life depends on it.

This group of 20-year-olds are there for each other in the only way they know how – with ridiculous stupidity, blunt honesty, and unconditional joy.

The simplest acts of kindness are sometimes the most important.

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

Season

• Preview: Thursday 18 September, 7PM

• Performance: Friday 19 September, 3PM

• Performance: Friday 19 September, 8PM

Ticket Price

General Admission: $5

Cast

Lukas: James Provis
Claude: Aimée Forrest
Song: Veronica Peña Negrette
Dylan: Sam Eade
Oliver: Akeel Purmanund

Credits

Director: Simon Porro
Writer: Matthew Whittet
Set and Costume Designer: Ashley Reid
Lighting Designer: Tom Vulcan
Composer and Sound Designer: Jack Burmeister
Songwriter and Vocalist: Rory Vagg
Intimacy Coordinator: Isabella Vadiveloo
Fight Coordinator: Colin Sneesby
Stage Manager: Sunday Bowes
Assistant Stage Manager: Nielsen Teoh
Creative Mentor: Sam Strong

Content Note

Kindness explores themes of suicide, addiction, self-harm and substance abuse. The production also contains strong language, flashing lights, strobe effects and theatrical smoke/haze.

Runtime

This performance will run for approximately 70 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: Simon Porro, 2025

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.