I
n 2021 Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), the national youth theatre company will present a season of shows across Sydney and around the country that will continue to expand their reputation for presenting beautifully written, professionally produced theatre for audiences of all ages.
ATYP Artistic Director Fraser Corfield has carefully curated a season that sees ATYP looking forward with determination, energy and hope. “The world shifted this year as our theatres went dark. As we reopen in 2021 we need to acknowledge that change. ATYP’s 2021 season doesn’t pretend life has returned to ‘normal’. Instead, it’s a season of stories specific to the concepts we are wrestling right now. These new Australian plays examine how we pass on wisdom to our children, the invisible homeless among us, the discoveries that age us, the ethical dilemmas of evolving technology and the ongoing fear of the unknown. These beautifully crafted stories offer food for the imagination and a gym to work out how you feel about our world and your place within it.”
The company is delighted to be able to stage three productions sidelined by theatre shutdowns in 2020, present a remount and national tour of a critically acclaimed work from the 2019 season, welcome back a smash hit musical and add two brand new works to the lineup. The company is also proud to announce co-productions with Belvoir St Theatre, Brisbane Festival, Queensland Theatre, The Good Room, Critical Stages, Riverside Theatres, Q Theatre, Arts on Tour, Shopfront Arts Coop and Griffin Theatre.
“There’s an excitement just returning to the theatre next year after twelve months without a production.” says Corfield “I’m thrilled we’ll be coming back with I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You. It’s an epic production featuring little performers who turn the spotlight so cleverly on what we learn growing up and growing older. It’s the perfect provocation from a company emerging from the year that has been, a play that genuinely speaks to all ages, a bit like a thoughtful person’s mad dance party. From there ATYP departs on a fantastic journey through the year.”
Here’s a taste of what audiences can expect in 2021:
FANGIRLS 30 January-20 February
Seymour Centre, Camperdown
I’VE BEEN MEANING TO ASK YOU 17-20 March Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
LIGHTS IN THE PARK 20-24 April Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland PAC, Penrith
FOLLOW ME HOME 16 June-3 July SBW Stables Theatre, Kings Cross
FOLLOW ME HOME 5 August -10 September NATIONAL TOUR: NSW, Vic, Tas, SA & WA
THE LIES WE WERE TOLD 4-15 August Shopfront Youth Arts, Carlton
SOUL TRADING 20 October-5 November SBW Stables Theatre, Kings Cross
SHACK 21 October-6 November SBW Stables Theatre, Kings Cros
In addition to this exceptional lineup of shows, the company is pleased to announce the bold expansion of its Education Department. This includes a suite of new programs that brings ATYP expertise into schools, encompassing everything from a short play festival with fantastic prizes to the expansion of the ATYP On Demand platform created especially for primary teachers across the nation. Our nationally recognised writing program continues the Fresh Ink and National Studio programs and the ever-growing Workshops program steps confidently into 2021 with both in-person and online offerings for young people aged 5-26.
ATYP welcomes all young people, their families and friends to join us in person, in the classroom, online and at the theatre in 2021 to experience our high quality, life-affirming productions and programs.
Featured image: Soul Trading, a play that is part of ATYP Season 2021.