An MTC NEXT STAGE Original
A new play by Diana Nguyen with Petra Kalive
Based on the novel by Alice Pung
Directed by Petra Kalive
Adapting Alice Pung’s award-winning book, writer and comedian Diana Nguyen and director Petra Kalive bring Laurinda’s schoolyard setting to the stage for a fresh and feisty new work. Like Heathers or Mean Girls with a uniquely Australian flavour, this delightful take on the beloved novel stars Fiona Choi (Torch the Place), Gemma Chua-Tran (Netflix's Heartbreak High), Georgina Naidu (Minnie & Liraz), Chi Nguyen (The Wilds), Ngoc Phan (Boy Swallows Universe), Roy Phung (Jasper Jones) and Jenny Zhou (Girl, Interpreted) in an incisive, funny study of a woman caught between cultures and class.
When 15-year-old Lucy Lam wins the inaugural Equal Access Scholarship to a prestigious private school, the smart and well-liked student is not prepared for the new world she’s suddenly propelled into. It’s a world of wealth and opportunity, overseen by The Cabinet – a trio of girls who wield power over their classmates, and even their teachers. But when The Cabinet turn their attention to Lucy she has to make a choice: fit in and succeed, or stay true to herself. Either way, there’s a cost.
Whether high school is (thankfully) a distant memory or a current reality, this MTC NEXT STAGE commission offers a witty and moving insight into an all-too common experience as well as the inner strength it takes to speak truth to power.
6th August, 2022
10th September, 2022
Laurinda is suitable for school years 8-12. Please note this production contains coarse language, references to bullying, racial violence and mature themes.
Wheelchair access is via the front entrance on Southbank Boulevard. There are lifts to all levels. The foyer offer tables and chairs at wheelchair height, and a low bar service area.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAM: For routes travelling up and down St Kilda Road (1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72) you can alight at the Arts Centre stop and walk to Southbank Theatre. Route 1 goes down Southbank Boulevard, and stops on Sturt Street just outside Melbourne Recital Centre (located next to the Southbank Theatres).
BY TRAIN: Southbank Theatre is within easy distance of Flinders Street Station. After exiting the station, walked south down St Kilda Road.
BY CAR: Wilson Parking has multiple paid options available: Roverside Quay, Southgate, Eureka or Flingers Gate car parks. Please note, these are paid carparks.
"Biting yet compassionate." - Australian Book Review Books of the Year (on Alice Pung’s original novel Laurinda)
"Exquisitely sharp." - The Age Books of the Year (on Alice Pung’s original novel Laurinda)
CAST: Fiona Choi, Gemma Chua-Tran, Georgina Naidu, Chi Nguyen, Ngoc Phan, Roy Phung, Jenny Zhou
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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