Original Directors Return for Encores
For a century, La Boite Theatre has stood as a beacon of artistic innovation, storytelling, and cultural impact in Brisbane, Queensland, and beyond.
As part of its milestone 100-year celebration, La Boite honours its remarkable journey by revisiting ten of the most influential Australian plays to have graced its stage—stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences and the theatre's legacy.
Carefully selected in consultation with all past and present living Artistic Directors of La Boite, most of the productions premiered at La Boite. These plays reflect the theatre's profound influence on shaping the artistic landscape and pushing creative boundaries.
As we revisit these extraordinary works, we celebrate the return of four former La Boite Artistic Directors who first brought them to life:
- Sue Rider (1993-2000) directing The Matilda Women
- Sean Mee (2000-2008) directing Zig Zag Street
- David Berthold (2008-2014) directing Holding the Man
- Todd MacDonald (2015-2019) directing Prize Fighter
Courtney Stewart, La Boite’s current Artistic Director and CEO, will lead emerging local talent through the reading of X-Stacy.
Adding to this remarkable lineup, we are thrilled to welcome back Leah Purcell AM, internationally acclaimed actor, director, producer, and writer, to again direct Black Chicks Talking. A proud Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri woman, Purcell brings First Nations storytelling to the forefront, ensuring these powerful voices resonate anew.
In Beauty It Is Finished was first directed by Brisbane Repertory Society (La Boite's predecessor) co-founder Barbara Sisley in 1931. In 2025 Aidan Rowlingson, a proud Butchulla man and multidisciplinary artist, takes the helm marking the first time this story is told by a First Nations Director and an ensemble of First Nations artists.
Also returning to direct works they originally staged at La Boite are:
- Matthew Ryan & Lucas Stibbard (boy girl wall),
- Ian Lawson (The Narcissist), and
- Claire Christian (Single Asian Female).
Each play signals the return not only of original directors but also of some original cast members, reflecting the journey, achievements, and contributions of those who have trodden the floorboards at La Boite and their impact on Australian storytelling. (Cast announcements coming soon!)
This centenary celebration is more than a reflection of the past—it is a powerful reminder of La Boite’s ongoing role in shaping the future of theatre. Through bold storytelling, visionary direction, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, La Boite continues to be a home for boundary-pushing, thought-provoking, and deeply resonant theatre. Join us to celebrate 100 years of La Boite—past, present, and the stories yet to come!
La Boite Encores are proudly supported by our friends at Epic Hair Designs