Festival of the unseen

Discover new theatre and experience live music, one-night-only performances, and daring new ideas that have never been seen before!

Antipodes Theatre Company is thrilled to present the second Festival of the Unseen, fourteen one-of-a-kind experiences spanning two weekends that offer audiences and artists a stellar lineup including concerts, staged presentations of new musicals, play readings, developmental workshops, a curated visual art offering, and the creative marathon that is Play in a Day. The public can get in on the action with open mic experiences, social events with an inspiring community of artists, and an unforgettable lineup of bold, exciting new work.

• Antipodes’ inaugural Summer Lab provides ongoing development and support to previous Winter Lab projects (Antipodes’ flagship development program established in 2020). Each of the seven projects will culminate in either a one-night-only performance, a staged reading or in-development ‘sneak peek’ open sessions. See below to learn more about the different presentations.

• Play in a Day, a 24-hour play festival where four writers, four directors and eight actors have one day to write, rehearse and stage an original 10-minute play. (What could go wrong?!) This whirlwind showcase brings together artists across many creative communities for an energetic and madcap evening of entertainment!

• Unsung, a unique concert showcasing some of Melbourne's brightest talent as they perform songs from musical theatre roles they wouldn’t traditionally be cast in, directed by BRANDON PAPE (he/him) and hosted by DAVID BUTLER (he/him). Unsung celebrates Antipodes’ dedication to fostering an inclusive, collaborative space for independent theatre in Melbourne, helping to sustain a vibrant future for innovative theatre in the community.

• Following a handful of events, there will be four differently-themed open mic experiences. The Spotlight Series gives audiences a chance to see singers, actors, musicians, comedians, writers and cabaret artists who might become “the next big thing”, and create a joyful, rowdy and supportive space for those who’ve always wanted to take the stage but just needed a little encouragement to take the leap.

• Directly after the Unsung concert, the first in the series will be Salty Theatre’s Broadway Bar, hosted by STACEY-LOUISE CAMILLERI (she/her). This crossover-event will continue with the theme of Unsung, open the floor to a wide variety of artists and is not a night you’ll want to miss!

• Get ready for our first Jazz Jam! Hosted by DAVID BUTLER (he/him), Jazz Jam is a chance for more musicians and vocalists to showcase their talents and connect with other artists. After the Summer Lab staged reading of Death to a Butterfly: A New Musical, we’ll open the floor for artists to sign up, improvise with friends and other participants, and let the music flow!

• We’re excited to announce our Spoken Word Night, building on the success of our previous text-based Spotlights! This year, following the Summer Lab performance of The Life Cycle of Blanco, we’re opening up the stage to a diverse range of performers, from new work readings to Shakespearean monologues, poetry, and more. Come share your voice with a supportive and engaged community.

• Comedy Night is back! After the Play In A Day performances, we’re inviting all you stand-up comedians, cabaret artists, musical theatre performers/writers and everyone else who’s got a joke up their sleeve to join us for a night of side-splitting laughter. Get ready for a riot!

• The AMTAC Song Showcase is an exciting opportunity for projects that have previously participated in monthly Hatch Lab Sessions hosted by Antipodes Theatre Company and Salty Theatre. Part concert and part celebration of new work and emerging talent, this event is an evening to come together with other members of our community and share some music, raise a glass and look forward to the future of this program.

• Following the success of our monthly AMTAC Hatch Lab Sessions focusing on musical theatre projects, the New Work Playground is a new initiative expanding to include all types of text-based theatrical projects. Three projects will be chosen to present excerpts from new works in progress to gain feedback and insight from working industry professionals and peers. Come witness projects in ongoing development while fostering a collaborative, creative, inspiring and supportive community. Alongside the producers, panellists including MICHELE LEE (she/her) will share their insights, offer feedback and open up the space for discussion.

• While primarily a live-performance company, we are passionate about all aspects of the arts. We are eager to collaborate with Visual Artists to transform the Antipodes HQ lobby into an unconventional gallery exhibition. This exhibition will showcase their creative ideas and provide an opportunity for them to share their exceptional art throughout our festival season. Additionally, we will sell the artwork on their behalf, without any commission.