Where to Watch NIDA Alumni in May 2024 - The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

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Where to Watch NIDA Alumni in May 2024

This May, NIDA alumni are making waves across Australia’s entertainment landscape, showcasing their talent and creativity in a diverse range of productions. From the post-apocalyptic chaos of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, where graduates play key roles both on screen and behind the scenes, to compelling theatre experiences that are hilarious and thought-provoking, NIDA’s alumni continue to enrich Australia’s cultural landscape with their passion and skill. Here are just a few of the places you’ll see their talent:

In the post-apocalyptic chaos of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, NIDA’s incredible alumni played an instrumental role in bringing the dystopian world to life. Returning to the Mad Max writing room is Nicholas Lathouris (Acting, 1968) while Ian Roberts (Acting, 2003) will be seen on screen as Mr. Harley. The colossal costume department teemed with alumni talent including Victoria Perry (Costume, 2019), Lauren Hunter (Costume, 2016), Ally Mansell (Design, 2012), Kat McFarlane (Costume, 2012) and Olivia Rowlands (Design, 2018). Ella Colhounn (Make-up, 2021) also lent her skills to the make-up department for four weeks during production. Ensuring every detail of Furiosa’s perilous journey was authentically crafted was the props and art department, with art direction by Nicholas Dare (Design, 2001) and the skilled work of Brittany Worboys (Properties, 2018), Tristan Fitzgerald (Properties, 1993), Hamish Elliot (Design, 2019), Alexandra Allanson (Properties, 2021), Meg Hamilton (Properties, 2019), Elsbeth Cameron (Costume, 2021) and more. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga hits the big screen on 24 May.

From left, Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Burke and Chris Hemsworth in the movie “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” (Jasin Boland / Warner Bros. Pictures)
From left, Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Burke and Chris Hemsworth in the movie Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. (Jasin Boland / Warner Bros. Pictures).

Beloved Australian comedy and AACTA Award winning series Colin from Accounts season two returns to Binge on May 30 and brings together a delightful union of NIDA acting alumni talents. Among them, John Howard (Acting, 1978), Annie Maynard (Acting, 2004), Tony Llewellyn-Jones (Acting, 1971), Glenn Hazeldine (Acting, 1994), and Darren Gilshenan (Acting, 1988) bring their seasoned expertise to the screen.

NIDA alumni are making a dramatic impact in the theatre scene across the country, echoing their alma mater’s creative legacy. The Young Industry Studio Production Scab was written by Danny Ball (Acting, 2016) and was the winner of the 2023 Senior Foundation Commission. This play, directed by Claudia Osborne (Directing, 2019), featuring the creative contributions of Hailley Hunt (Design, 2022) in props, set, and costume design, and sound designer Maddy Picard (Technical Theatre & Stage Management, 2023) promises to captivate audiences with its comedic and poignant portrayal of youthful ingenuity. Scab will run from 16 – 19 May at the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP).

In Queensland, Hattie Clegg-Robbinson (Acting, 2022) and Zoë Houghton (Acting, 2002) can be seen on stage in the compelling legal drama The Norman Mailer Anecdote, directed by Julian Curtis (Acting, 2008) and designed by Madeleine Barlow (Design, 2019).  The narrative delves into the complexities of fame and privilege within Brisbane’s upper middle class, exploring themes of uncertainty and personal reckoning. The Norman Mailer Anecdote is on now at the Queensland Theatre and must end on 18 May.

The Eisteddfod playing at the Old Fitz Theatre. Photographed is Ziggy Resnick (Acting, 2020) and Fraser Crane. Photo credit: Roger Stonehouse
The Eisteddfod playing at the Old Fitz Theatre. Photographed is Ziggy Resnick (Acting, 2020) and Fraser Crane. Photo credit: Roger Stonehouse.

The Eisteddfod is starting soon at the Old Fitz Theatre, directed by Miranda Middleton (Direction, 2020), and featuring a talented cast and crew largely comprised of NIDA alumni. Ziggy Resnick (Acting, 2020) not only stars in the production but also serves as a producer. The show benefits from the expertise of NIDA graduates, including Sound Designer Zac Saric (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2021), Aron Murray (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2018; Design, 2020), and Kate Beere (Design, 2020). This creative collaboration brings Lally Katz’s darkly comedic tale to life in a whimsical yet thought-provoking exploration of the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. The Eisteddfod will run from 21 – 31 May, showcasing some of Sydney’s most vibrant emerging talents. 

*Header: Still image from the Binge series Colin from Accounts season two. From left to right: Patrick Brammall, John Howard (Acting,1978) and Justin Rosniak. Photo by Tony Mott.