Observatory Theatre: ‘What does theatre do in a post-truth, post-pandemic world?’
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Observatory Theatre: ‘What does theatre do in a post-truth, post-pandemic world?’

The Observatory Theatre team launched their 2024 Season at Yeerongpilly’s Studio1. Lachlan Driscoll (Creative Producer), Lucy Rayner-Toy (Associate Producer) and colleagues certainly have much to celebrate. In developing what Driscoll describes as ‘big, bold, ambitious theatre that responds to today,’ the 2024 Season focuses on supporting and developing new works, centred on their successful Telescope new writing program.

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The Turquoise Elephant | Observatory Theatre
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The Turquoise Elephant | Observatory Theatre

As Director Lachlan Driscoll notes, ‘each character has their bonkers idea of what’s going on outside and how to cope” Carleton observes that ‘we do nothing on a grander and grander scale’. And what, the play asks us, is there to be done? Who should do it?’ In such a situation, an absurdist, black farce is absolutely the way in which to encourage audiences to face up to current reality—and to start to talk about the ‘elephant in the room’ (now, for me, forever turquoise!).

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"Our biggest and boldest season yet!" Lachlan Driscoll on the launch of Observatory Theatre's 2023 Season
article, interview, theatre Catherine Lawrence article, interview, theatre Catherine Lawrence

"Our biggest and boldest season yet!" Lachlan Driscoll on the launch of Observatory Theatre's 2023 Season

I think seasons are a fantastic way to involve audiences more deeply in what we do as a company and also the shows themselves. The season becomes an invitation to get a bit closer. The curation of a season of work around a core focus is a chance for audiences to gain more meaning than if the shows were just standalone.

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Portraits: A Haunted Mansion | Observatory Theatre
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Portraits: A Haunted Mansion | Observatory Theatre

The play follows the Godbold family as they adapt to rapid changes in their family hierarchy after their father, Ivan (played by James Hogan), suffers from a stroke. Estranged siblings, Josephine (played by Rebecca Day) and Martin (played by Emile Regano), are forced back together to confront unspoken traditions, secrets, memories, trauma, and ghosts.

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