History remembers the loudest voices, but what about the ones who spoke first? Before Stonewall, before Pride, before the world had words for who we are; there was Karl Heinrich Ulrichs.

On 29 August 1867, Karl stood before the Assembly of German Jurists and became the first person in modern history to publicly speak out for the rights of homosexuals. Accompanied by Numa - the name under which Karl first gave voice to his radical ideas - Karl retraces a life marked by love, exile, resistance, and imagination. Through fractured time, fragmented memory, and fierce debate, the play unearths the emotional and intellectual struggles behind one man’s radical fight to live and love openly.

Numa and Karl: Extraordinary Man That He Was was nominated for the 2024 Queer Playwriting Award Showcase, with a successful reading at the 2025 Festival of Australian Queer Theatre. It now receives its full theatrical premiere under the direction of Alanah Guiry (she/her), presented by Sevenfold Theatre Company in collaboration with the Maribyrnong City Council at Bluestone Church Arts Space.

Content Warning

This show contains depict ions and discussions of homophobia, suicide and imprisonment.

Important Information

Wednesday 27th August is a preview performance. Our Thursday 28th August performance will be opening night.

Cover Performances

Friday 5th September, 2025
*The role of Karl will be played by Kyle Cuthbert.
*The role of Eduard D'h & Ensemble will be played by Jessie Martin.

Saturday 6th September, 2025
*The role of Numa will be played by Emerson Hansford.
*The role of Ulrike & Ensemble will be played by Jessie Martin.

Cast:
Numa | Nicholas J. Carr (They/He)
Karl | Sarah Hartnell (He/She/They)
Tewes & Ensemble | Conagh Punch (They/Them)
Ulrike & Ensemble | Emerson Hansford (They/Them)
Eduard D'h & Ensemble | Kyle Cuthbert (He/They)
Chairman & Ensemble | Tristan Sicari (He/Him)

Production Team:
Writer | Em Chandler (She/They)
Director | Alanah Guiry (She/Her)
Assistant Director & Swing | Jessie Martin (They/Them)
Producer | Joshua Strachan (He/They)
Stage Manager | Douglas Hassack (He/Him)
Costume Designer | Zachary Dixon (They/Them)
Set Designer | Leonie Leonida (She/Her)
Musical Director | Lore Burns (They/Them)
Dramaturg | Noemie Huttner-Koros (They/Them)
Marketing Manager | Jessica Fanwong (She/Her)
Graphic Designer | Joshua Clarke (He/Him)

Photography by Steven Mitchell Wright
Graphic Design by Joshua Clarke
Set Dressing & Styling by Leonie Leonida

About Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc.

Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc., based in Naarm/Melbourne, is dedicated to nurturing, supporting, and showcasing artists throughout their creative journeys in the realm of live performance. Celebrated for their commitment to innovative storytelling, they garnered acclaim at the 41st Annual Green Room Awards, winning ‘Best New Australian Musical Theatre Writing’ for their presentation of Blue to the Horizon.

Numa and Karl: Extraordinary Man That He Was

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