WORLDS ALIVE 2026

Calling all GLOBAL THINKERS and THEATRE LOVERS. 

We present five award-winning world plays -  contemporary, entertaining, and never before seen in Australia.

Eight professional actors perform script-in-hand, directed by well-known Sydney actor and director Elaine Hudson.

From South Africa we present KUNENE AND THE KING by John Kani, OBE. The Royal Shakespeare Company premiered this play in 2019.  An elderly ailing English Shakespearean actor in Johannesburg tries to remember the lines to King Lear. His black carer helps him and interprets Lear in a new way. Which man can deliver the better Shakespearean Lear? Kunene and this “King,” are an odd pair. Their comic spats eventually lead to deep respect of one another.  We will perform the entire 60 minute play.

We present a 10 minute section of the Brazilian play Miss Margarida’s Way by Roberto Athayde. This play has been produced in more than thirty countries, including on Broadway.  Set in a school classroom, teacher Miss Margarida is determined to ensure her students understand how the world really works. Comic and scary at the same time!

We bring to you an excerpt from  A Night at the Opera by Floy Quintos. This 2017 play portrays the of power of the elite in The Philippines.  It ends in a tense ‘wife vs husband’ tête-à-tête.  It’s the story of power anytime, anyplace.

From Indonesia we have selected part of The Struggle of the Naga Tribe by W. Rendra.  The Naga village protects their copper-rich sacred mountain from the ogres (westerners) when a corporation bribes the tribe’s Queen. There is good and bad on both sides. As always! The play brings a universal story to life with villagers, tribal royals and ogres all entertaining us.

And from Korea, we read part of Night Picture of Rain Sound, by Sue Ja Joo.  This short lyrical work captures how the smallest sounds — rain on a roof, silence between words — can stir longing, connection and unexpected insight.

See details of the playwrights and the performers at https://www.scenetheatresydney.net.au/worlds-alive-26.

Transport and dining options are at https://www.scenetheatresydney.net.au/worlds-alive-26.