This performance is presented as part of the VCA Master of Theatre (Writing) Festival 2025.

Toto's Song

Written by Emma Fawcett

Toto is dying and her son Phillip is trying to care for her, but neither of them have ever died before so they have no idea what they're doing. This is a story about badly behaved parents, the myth of closure, and what it takes to accompany someone to their end.

Content Note

This performance contains references to death and sexual references.

Runtime

This performance will run for approximately 70 minutes.

Performance schedule

Wednesday 12 November, 2PM
Saturday 15 November, 2PM

Credits

Director: Kate Fryer
Dramaturg: Emma Gibson

About the writer

Emma Fawcett is a theatre-maker, dramaturg, and educator based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her practice centres around text-based and devised new work, often working in the space where text, physical theatre and clowning come together. The kind of theatre that she loves making involves bold bodies, subversive and unexpected perspectives, and equal parts poetry and playfulness.

Emma is a Master of Dramaturgy from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne and alumn of the She Writes Program at Theatreworks. She curates Scratch at La Mama Theatre.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank the VCA staff including Raimondo Cortese, Emily Sheehan and Chris Mead for all their support and feedback throughout the writing of this play. Likewise the 2025 writing cohort who are all gems and have made writing this play alongside a total joy. Thank you also to the the people who have helped me in the research, generously shared their experiences of losing parents and loved ones.

Ticket Price

Free. Registrations required on Humanitix.

Please note that there is often a drop-off in attendance at our free events on the day of the performance. If this event is booked out and you have not secured a ticket, we encourage you to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the advertised start time and speak to our Front of House team. Once audience members with tickets have been seated, any remaining seats will be made available to patrons waiting at the door. Please be advised that entry without securing a ticket in advance cannot be guaranteed.

If you have booked for a performance and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your booking via your Humanitix account or email us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au.

Venue

This reading takes place in Studio 4, located in the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building which is accessible via paths in the Dodds Street Linear Park.
Please meet our friendly Front of House staff in the foyer on the ground floor of the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building. Studio 4 is then accessible via the stairs or lift.

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

Image: Don Shearman.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has 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.

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.