theatre works presents
a play by briony dunn, adapted from the novella by EM. forster
The Machine Stops
22 - 30 AUGUST | THEATRE WORKS
a play by briony dunn, adapted from the novella by EM. forster
From the team that brought you The Human Voice and Moth comes the radical 1909 dystopian epic that predicted the internet.
A rhapsody of sound and light brought to life by two virtuosic performers, this world premiere is a masterful new adaptation of the novella by E.M. Forster (A Room with a View, Howards End, A Passage to India).
More piercing than 1984 and Brave New World combined, THE MACHINE STOPS is the chilling tale of a futuristic information-orientated society where all of humanity survives in a subterranean world. Connected by a global instant-messaging system, they have grown fearful of first-hand experience. Starring Mary Helen Sassman and Patrick Livesey, prepare to experience a remarkable theatrical event where technology has become the ultimate controlling force.
Running for a limited season and playing as a part of the 2025 By Theatre Works programming, this powerful adaptation is not to be missed!
"SET, COSTUME, LIGHT (NIKLAS PAJANTI) AND EXTRAORDINARY SOUND (DARRIN VERHAGEN), ARE OFTEN SUPERBLY SYNCHRONOUS." - Stage Whispers
"ALMOST EVERY CREATIVE CHOICE SETS UP A TENSE CONVERSATION WITH THE TEXT, AND THE WHIFF OF CHAUVINISM IN THE TRADITIONAL PORTRAYAL GETS DISPLACED BY A PURGATORIAL MISOGYNY THAT HANGS OVER THE PRODUCTION LIKE A SHROUD." - The Age
VENUE
Theatre Works
14 Acland Street, St Kilda
DURATION
1 Hour 30 Minutes
WARNINGS
Loud noises, flashing lights, existential themes relevant to post-apocalyptic & science fiction realities such as state-sanctioned euthanasia and imminent death.
ACCESSIBILITY
Theatre Works is a wheelchair accessible venue. A full access guide will be available closer to the date.
DATES + TIMES
Friday 22 August - 7:30pm (Preview)
Saturday 23 August - 7:30pm (Opening Night)
Tuesday 26 August - 7:30pm
Wednesday 27 August - 7:30pm
Thursday 28 August - 7:30pm
Friday 29 August - 7:30pm
Saturday 30 August - 7:30pm
Theatre Works has a lockout policy for latecomers. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you don't miss out.
Refunds will not be issued to latecomers.
TICKETS
FULL PRICE
$55.00
CONCESSION
$48.00
PREVIEW
$40.00
MOB TIX
$25.00
Shows in this stream are produced and presented by Theatre Works in-house, lead by artists who are either on staff and/or alumni of our professional development programs.
*Seniors, Student, MEAA, Health Care and Low Income card holders
CREDITS
CAST
Mary Helen Sassman
Patrick Livesey
DIRECTOR
Briony Dunn
SET DESIGNERS
Niklas Pajanti
Briony Dunn
LIGHTING DESIGN
Niklas Pajanti
COSTUME DESIGN
Betty Auhl
SOUND DESIGN
Darrin Verhagen
ADDTL. SOUND DESIGN
Matthew Murana
PROJECTION DESIGN
Aron Murray
STAGE MANAGER
Holland Brooks
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Laura Henderson
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
Antonia Wenke
Mia Stefani
PUBLICITY
Eleanor Howlett, Sassy Red PR
THANK YOU
Rachel Lee
Clearlight Shows
MEET THE ARTIST -
Briony Dunn
Briony Dunn is a director, dramaturge, and Head of Writing/Directing & Stage Management at COLLARTS, prior to that was the Literary Manager at Theatre Works, is co-Artistic Director of Iron Lung Theatre, an MTC Women in Theatre alumni (2020-21), a directing graduate of NIDA and has a Master of Arts in Theatre (UNSW). Most recent directing credits include When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell, The Human Voice by Cocteau translated by Iris Gaillard, starring Jane Montgomery Griffiths who was nominated for a Green Room Award for her performance, and Moth by Declan Greene, produced by Theatre Works.
EXTRAS
In Conversation with Briony Dunn
Rehearsal Gallery
Opening Night Gallery
Read our backstage blog interview with writer / director Briony Dunn
Have a behind-the-scenes look into the rehearsal room of The Machine Stops
Check out these snaps from Opening Night of The Machine Stops