“To make works of real vulnerability takes courage, but that is the way into our shared humanity.”
Current Projects
BUY TICKETS
13th – 29th August 2026
Preview: Thurs 13th August.
Opening Night: Fri 14th August
Show Times: 7:30pm Wed-Sat and 2pm Sundays (16th and 23rd)
This winter Subverse Theatre proudly present the premiere season of The Sacrifice of Farinelli. An original Australian work inspired by real figures from the 1700s, Riccardo Broschi, a composer, and his brother Carlo Broschi – who went on to become the legendary Farinelli, an Italian-Neapolitan castrato and the world’s first true superstar. Riccardo must reconcile with Teresa, Carlo’s lost love, in order to discover his true self and learn the price of worshipping perfection in music.
With a unique sound design featuring works from Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel, alongside modern music elements, The Sacrifice of Farinelli marries words, music, and physical theatre, immersive staging, effects technology, live violin and singing. Audiences will be transported to a decadent baroque world that pits nature against narcissism, and authenticity against ego.
Running this August at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray, don’t miss the chance to experience the remarkable tale of one of the greatest singers in the history of opera. Running for three weeks only, it promises to be a true highlight on the Melbourne arts calendar.
As heard on:
ABC Radio National, RRR Radio, 3MBS FM and
JOY FM
Warnings: Minor horror influences, theatrical effects, fog, strobe, low-lighting, sexual and adult themes, and loud classical and electronic music.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access via the rear entrance (needs opening – please contact us). Wheelchair accessible toilet. Please notify the venue if you require disability entrance.
Works
“The Door in Question, an intense – and at times deeply unsettling – 90-minute extended reality, or XR, production that blends immersive theatre, escape rooms, virtual reality and mixed reality (overlaying the real world with digital elements).”
– Luke Buckmaster
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/jun/20/the-door-in-question-vr-xr-immersive-experience-melbourne-metro-west-footscray
“The Door in Question really does feel at the forefront of a brave new kind of artmaking. But it’s the human element that makes it work…”
– Cameron Woodhead
https://www.theage.com.au/culture/live-reviews/unflinching-insight-into-psychotic-illness-a-remarkable-immersive-theatre-event-20250623-p5m9jd.html
About
Our Philosophy.
We serve to facilitate maximum creativity and authentic expression for actors and production creatives.
We complement any training and practices that help you fully live out an imagined experience through getting out of the way of yourself and really living in the moment. Our preference is for people trained in and subscribing to the Meisner Technique and embodied performance practices such as Contact Improvisation dance, Improv acting and Alexander Technique.
Our Purpose.
To create a mid-tier theatre company that supports dramatic artists to take risks and continue training to deliver their best work.
Founded by Stuart Bruce – writer, actor and musician whose highlights include:
- Training: William Esper Studio (NYC)
- Music Theatre: Pink in Pink Floyd’s The Wall (Nuworks Theatre Australia)
- Acting: Hamlet in Hamlet (London and Stratford-Upon-Avon)
- Music: Blues set Live @ Chess Records (Chicago)
- Composition: Freak Show (Edinburgh Fringe)
Links
