SUPER
By Emilie Collyer
WORLD PREMIERE
Developed through Red Stitch’s INK new writing program
Directed by Emma Valente
Opening Wednesday 18 June, Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents the world premiere of Super, a bold new work by celebrated playwright, essayist, and poet Emilie Collyer (Dream Home, Promise). Under the direction of acclaimed theatre maker Emma Valente (Co-Artistic Director of THE RABBLE) this wonderfully original play is a witty and genre-defying ride into the world of two women with superpowers.
Featuring Red Stitch ensemble member Caroline Lee, alongside Lucy Ansell (Force of Nature: The Dry 2, Strife) and First Nations actor Laila Thaker (Five Bedrooms, Wentworth), the show follows Phoenix and Nel, two friends who take a lot of care and do a lot of good. But when celebrity chef Rae arrives at one of their weekly support meetings, she turns their world upside down. As they transform from stealth crusaders to global superstars their powers escalate beyond control. It’s amazing! Until it isn’t.
A hilarious and poignant exploration of power, care, and friendship, Super has been developed over several years and commissioned by Red Stitch through its INK program.Shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, the play interrogates what it means to care in a world that commodifies compassion and measures worth by productivity.
With set and costume design by Romanie Harper, lighting by Natalia Velasco Moreno, and sound design by Beau Esposito, Super will run from 11 June to 6 July at Red Stitch’s Home on Chapel St. Tickets are available now at redstitch.net.
“★★★★ Emilie Collyer’s Dream Home is a funny, yet profoundly sad, new work. Cameron Woodhead The Sydney Morning Herald (Dream Home)”
DATES & TICKETS
Previews 11-17 June | Season 18 June – 6 July
Tues, Wed and Sun, 6.30pm
Wed 18 June, Thurs-Sat, 7.30pm
Matinees (19 & 25 June, 12pm, & 5 July, 2pm)
Q&A’s Post Show
Wed 25 June, Thurs 19 & 26 June
Photographer credit: Cameron Grant, Parenthesy
About Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre
Established in 2001, Red Stitch is Australia’s leading acting ensemble.’ Our home space of 80 seats in St Kilda has produced critically lauded theatre for 24 years, with over 175 productions to our name, contributing to our reputation as a leading commissioner and producer of exceptional Australian theatre. Our INK program sustains the increased representation of Australian drama in the national repertoire, supporting an illustrious coalition of playwrights and artists. Nineteen new Australian plays have been produced, one third of which have toured nationally or internationally. Our biennial site-specific festival of music and new writing, Playlist, has attracted a large and loyal audience and a vibrant reputation in the community.
Our determination to create a pathway for emerging artists to traverse the challenging transition from tertiary institutions to the professional sector led the company to establish the Red Stitch Graduate program in 2008. Today the Hansen Graduate Program supports five early career practitioners annually, offering young artists the opportunity to work with the company throughout the year across a range of disciplines gaining vital hands-on experience. This has in turn furnished the company with fresh perspectives and ideas.
Current Artistic Director, Ella Caldwell, oversees a company in which over 60 artists have occupied ensemble positions, with 12-15 advisors active at any time and membership refreshed annually. Several original ensemble members hold advisory positions and regularly return to work with the company along with guest artists who bring their vision, talent and energy to the company.
In 2024 Red Stitch partnered with GWB Entertainment, AHP and Marriner in a groundbreaking partnership to deliver a successful commercial transfer to the Comedy theatre of Red Stitch’s 2023 production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? directed by Sarah Goodes and featuring the Red Stitch ensemble cast; Emily Goddard, Kat Stewart, David Whiteley and Harvey Zielinski.
Red Stitch has earned a treasured place in the theatre-going community of Melbourne and contributed significantly to the national culture. For more information visit www.redstitch.net