Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs has launched the first half of its 2025 season, an eclectic, politically-charged program spanning theatre, chamber music and storytelling. Partnering with leading artists and collectives, the season highlights groundbreaking works exploring themes of identity, resilience and human connection.

Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:

Thirty-Six (21 January–2 February)

Opening the season, Thirty-Six is a deeply personal and empowering exploration of ageing, mortality, and growth from a gender-diverse perspective.

Performed by Bayley Turner (Thrive: Queer Work Out Loud), co-written by Turner and UK playwright Jo Clifford (The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven) and directed by Kitan Petkovski (The Inheritance), this production promises to be cathartic and celebratory.

Presented in association with Bullet Heart Club and Midsumma Festival 2025, Thirty-Six blurs the lines between funerary rite and birthday party in a unique theatrical event.

Compose Queer x Queerstories (6–9 February)

A collaboration between the Divisi Chamber Singers and Maeve Marsden’s Queerstories, this project showcases 13 world-premiere compositions celebrating queer lives. With the Divisi ensemble, pianist Coady Green, and a tapestry of stories about love, joy, and pain, this...