Monash Academy of Performing Arts has launched a rebranded and extended performance program, MLIVE.
Hailed as a ‘new era’ for Monash University, the inaugural season reflects a carefully curated and diverse program with contemporary work from across Australia, as well as the development and presentation of international companies.
‘MLIVE is a new brand and a new statement from us about what we’re doing in live performance here at Monash,’ explained Fred Wallace, Head of Programming at Monash Academy of Performing Arts.
‘MLIVE represents an opportunity for Monash University to connect with its various communities, both internal and external, with a year-round program of events, including new commissions, which speak to diverse communities. It will be curated under the direction of Executive Director Professor Paul Grabowsky AO and will make use of new venues opening in 2018 and 2019 that will comprise The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts. In 2018 MLIVE will present work for the first time in the redeveloped Alexander Theatre, a centrepiece of the new Centre.’
The new program is the culmination of years of work spent reshaping the role the University plays as a presenter in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs.
‘Monash’s Clayton campus is 23 kilometres from the CBD. We’re in the middle of suburbia,’ said Wallace.
MLIVE highlights
MLIVE will engage and entertain diverse communities in the local area through the presentation of a range of music and theatre performances.
‘What we’re trying to do — our intention — is to tell stories that represent the communities that exist in our region. We want to connect with those audiences,’ said Wallace.
In 2018 you’ll see a return season of critically acclaimed Taxithi, a performance that shares women’s stories about their migration from Greece to Australia and the importance of culture and connection in their lives. Another highlight is The Season by playwright Nathan Maynard, a story about the mutton-birders of Tasmania and their history and connection to the land.
Wallace said the University’s commitment to the performing arts and development of infrastructure has meant they can now ‘dramatically expand’ the presentation of work and allow for the commissioning of new work.
‘We want to play a role in supporting companies, both local and national, and through international partnerships, to present new and innovative work in our venues. In 2018 the first fruits of those partnerships can be seen in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Metropolis New Music Festival and the residency of Belarus Free Theatre.’
