The inaugural program of Artistic Director Ebony Bott includes the world premiere of Suzie Miller’s latest play Strong is the New Pretty about the creation of the AFL Women’s Competition, and a new movement piece about mortality from The Farm called No One Gets Out of Here Alive (see page 63). La Boite presents Michelle Lim Davidson’s personal drama Koreaboo about her visit to Seoul to meet with her somewhat disinterested birth mother. The best-selling pub-themed show The Choir of Man has a season in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, while Luke Murphy’s part crime-drama, part psychological thriller Scorched Earth arrives after a New York season. This year’s new Festival Village – a large-scale riverside precinct at South Bank – also promises to be a lively spot with plenty of free and ticketed events.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Deep within the underworld, two skeleton friends, a Dodo and a boy, tirelessly dig for fresh bones. Their ancient skeletal forms are deteriorating and without them, they will disappear completely. One day, something peculiar happens: the Dodo miraculously sprouts feathers! A wave of transformation begins, shattering the established order of the dead.

As the Dodo continues to grow flesh, fear and chaos erupt. The two friends must flee, fighting to stay together as they are drawn into the heart of an epic battle between life and death.

Infused with puppetry, humor and stunning visual effects, Dead as a Dodo is a mesmerising musical odyssey about survival, transformation and the power of true friendship.

Internationally acclaimed Wakka Wakka brings their signature theatrical magic to Dead as a Dodo, a visually stunning production that blends puppetry, music and innovative stagecraft into an unforgettable adventure!

“These people may be geniuses” – The New York Times