The Eisteddfod

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

The Eisteddfod

Written by Lally Katz
Directed by Fiona Scott-Norman
Licensed by Constance Lalage Katz

The Eisteddfod, a darkly sparkling comedy by Lally Katz, is a deceptive excavation of survival, how we build identity, and checkmate ourselves one story at a time.

When Abalone and Gerture’s parents die in a tragic tree-pruning accident, the two instantly agoraphobic orphans stay home. Years later their role-playing games no longer sustain them, and their rehearsal of Macbeth for the local Eisteddfod takes on high stakes. First prize is a one-way ticket to Moscow and they are both playing to win.

The Eisteddfod, a pacy fusion of magical feminism and tragicomedy unfolds in the mind of Lally Katz, and turns 21 this year. Director Fiona Scott-Norman's shocking and playful production explores the impact of letting patriarchy ricochet unchecked around the house. Black humour, ambiguity, toxic masculinity, wonder; a play for our times.

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

Season

• Preview: Thursday 4 September, 7PM

• Performance: Friday 5 September, 3PM

• Performance: Friday 5 September, 8PM

Ticket Price

General Admission: $5

Credits

Director: Fiona Scott-Norman
Cast: Lily Fish, Alex Duncan
Set and Costume Design: Ishan Vivekanantham
Lighting Design: Shane Grant
Sound Design: Holly Notarangelo
Assistant Director: Brigid Morgan
Costume Consultant: Teneille Clerke

Content Note

This work contains sexual references, descriptions of suicide, discussions of sexual assault and mention of rape

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.

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. 

Image: Sophie Smyth, 2024.