As part of La Boite Theatre in Brisbane’s monumental 100-year celebrations, ‘La Boite Encores’ will honour its history with captivating play readings of ten iconic Australian favourite shows from the archives.
Over ten weeks, for one night only each week, audiences will experience these much-loved works, brought to life once more. Like a book club for theatre lovers, the intimate series will reunite original cast members and directors, alongside emerging Brisbane talent.
Notably, four former La Boite Artistic Directors – Sue Rider, Sean Mee, David Berthold, and Todd MacDonald – will return to direct key works.
“‘La Boite Encores’ is a celebration of our rich artistic history and a tribute to the trailblazing works that have shaped our company. This playreading series brings iconic productions back to the stage, inviting new audiences to experience the stories that have defined La Boite over the years,” Artistic Director and CEO Courtney Stewart says.
The series kicks off in late April, with ‘In Beauty It Is Finished’ by George Landen Dann. The play sparked controversy long before its 1931 premiere, due to candid language and a groundbreaking portrayal of a relationship between a young white woman and an Aboriginal man. ‘In Beauty It Is Finished’ will be directed by proud Butchulla man Aidan Rowlingson, and for the first time read by a First Nations cast.
There’s also ‘Black Chicks Talking’, written and directed by Leah Purcell. It’s a bold exploration of First Nation Australian women’s stories. The production cemented La Boite’s position at the forefront of contemporary Australian theatre, and now Purcell will return to direct a fresh presentation of the landmark work.
Each play in the ‘Encores’ series has been selected to present a unique snapshot of La Boite’s artistic evolution.
“Revisiting these remarkable productions allows us to honour the artists, creatives, and communities who have contributed to La Boite’s 100-year legacy. ‘La Boite Encores’ is about reconnecting with the past while forging the future,” Courtney Stewart says.
Tickets are on sale now.
La Boite Encores 2025 Programme
28 April – ‘In Beauty It Is Finished’6 May – ‘The Matilda Women’
12 May – ‘X-Stacy’
19 May – ‘Black Chicks Talking’
26 May – ‘Zig Zag Street’
2 June – ‘The Narcissist’
9 June – ‘boy girl wall’
16 June – ‘Holding The Man’
23 June – ‘Prize Fighter’
1 July – ‘Single Asian Female’
