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Autumn 2024

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 Primary Seasons La Mamica, Kids, Scratch

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024

Primary Seasons

La Mamica, Kids, Scratch

Greek Plays

From the back streets of Athens, with its smoky nightclubs and seedy gambling dens, to the tumultuous waters of the Indian Ocean and to the ports and suburbs of Melbourne, Helen Yotis-Patterson’s epic Greek Trilogy takes us on a journey like no other, tracing the roots of migration to the backdrop of Laika and Entechno … Continued

From the back streets of Athens, with its smoky nightclubs and seedy gambling dens, to the tumultuous waters of the Indian Ocean and to the ports and suburbs of Melbourne, Helen Yotis-Patterson’s epic Greek Trilogy takes us on a journey like no other, tracing the roots of migration to the backdrop of Laika and Entechno music.

Part one, “Eftihia” explores the unique philosophies of lyricist and compulsive gambler Eftihia Papgiannopoulou as she entertains a manifestation of Death in her living room.

Part two, “Taxithi” takes us on a journey by sea to help us understand the motivations and experience of migration.

Each piece stands alone but the full story is only revealed by their combined narratives. Don’t miss this extraordinary theatrical and musical experience!

Starring Katerina Kotsonis, Alkisti Pitsakis, Helen Yotis-Patterson and more, including Jacob Papadopoulos on bouzouki.


The double bill will be livestreamed on Sunday, Feb 25, 2pm (Eftihia) and 4pm (Taxithi).

Summer 2024

Midsumma at La Mama 2024 Primary Seasons La Mamicas, Playreadings, La Mama Kids

Summer 2024

27 Jan – 7 Apr

Midsumma at La Mama 2024

Primary Seasons

La Mamicas, Playreadings, La Mama Kids

Spring 2023

Primary Seasons La Mamicas, Playreadings

Primary Seasons

La Mamicas, Playreadings

Winter 2023

Primary Season Shows La Mamicas, La Mama Kids, Playreading, La Mama Mobile Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2023 Jun 27 – Jul 2 11 Children’s Performances, 3 adults performances, Roving Performances throughout the festival, Children’s Puppet Workshops and Professional Development Opportunities for Artists and Adults.  La Mama Explorations 2023

Winter 2023

26 Jun – 8 Oct

Primary Season Shows


La Mamicas, La Mama Kids, Playreading, La Mama Mobile


Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2023

Jun 27 – Jul 2

11 Children’s Performances, 3 adults performances, Roving Performances throughout the festival, Children’s Puppet Workshops and Professional Development Opportunities for Artists and Adults. 


La Mama Explorations 2023

La Mama Explorations 2023

Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2023

Welcome to the 2023 Melbourne Festival of Puppetry.   We are delighted to welcome artists from across Australia to present their work. This year we are thrilled to offer audience’s 11 Children’s Performances, 3 adults performances, Roving Performances throughout the festival, Children’s Puppet Workshops and Professional Development Opportunities for Artists and Adults.  New this year’s festival … Continued

3 puppets together - a Douc langur monkey on the left looks to a brightly costumed trapeze artist in the middle. A Pirate Sea Dog looks to the trapeze artist from the right.

Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2023

Jun 27 – Jul 2

Welcome to the 2023 Melbourne Festival of Puppetry.  

We are delighted to welcome artists from across Australia to present their work. This year we are thrilled to offer audience’s 11 Children’s Performances, 3 adults performances, Roving Performances throughout the festival, Children’s Puppet Workshops and Professional Development Opportunities for Artists and Adults. 

New this year’s festival is The Puppet Picnic, a FREE Community Day on the lawns of the Carlton Highrise Estate of performances, roving puppets, engaging workshops and an opportunity for all to connect, share and celebrate. 

Full Schedule

Scroll left and right to view full schedule:

TimeLocationTuesday 27 JuneWednesday 28 JuneThursday 29 JuneFriday 30 JuneSaturday 1 JulySunday 2 July
10:00amLa Mama HQPUPPEROOS: Haenyeo: Women of the Sea (Australia/Korea)
3-10 years
PUPPEROOS: Haenyeo: Women of the Sea (Australia/Korea)
3-10 years
PUPPEROOS: Haenyeo: Women of the Sea (Australia/Korea)
3-10 years
SHAKE SHAKE THEATRE: The Story of Mr B. (Menangle, NSW)
3-10 years
SHAKE SHAKE THEATRE: The Story of Mr B. (Menangle, NSW)
3-10 years
SHAKE SHAKE THEATRE: The Story of Mr B. (Menangle, NSW)
3-10 years
10:00amKathleen Syme Library and Community CentreAdults Workshop: PHILIP MILLAR: Digital tools for analogAdults Workshop: THINGS OF FOAM AND WOOD: Mould Making
11:00amOutside La Mama HQ – roving & free showsBONKEL: Rolling! (Melb, VIC)
All Ages
BONKEL: Rolling! (Melb, VIC)
All Ages
BONKEL: Rolling! (Melb, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: GEORGIE ROSE (Mt Franklin, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: THE GARNDERS (Things of Foam and Wood) (Kyenton, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: CURIOUS LEGENDS
(Newcastle, NSW)
All Ages
11:00am La Mama CourthouseSYDNEY PUPPET THEATRE: In Search of the Giddy Gird Bird (New Berrima, NSW)
5-10 years/family
11:00amCarlton Highrise EstateBONKEL: Rolling! (Melb, VIC)
All Ages
11.45am – 12.30pmIn the streets & outside La Mama CourthouseRoving: LEMONY S (Melb, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: LEMONY S (Melb, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: LEMONY S (Melb, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: GEORGIE ROSE (Mt Franklin, VIC) & JULES CHAPPEL (Castlemaine, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: THE GARNDERS (Things of Foam and Wood) & JULES CHAPPEL (Castlemaine, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: CURIOUS LEGENDS (Newcastle, NSW) & JULES CHAPPEL (Castlemaine, VIC)
All Ages
12:00pmLa Mama HQEMILIE BLOOM: Fritz (Woodend, VIC)
4-12 years
EMILIE BLOOM: Fritz (Woodend, VIC)
4-12 years
EMILIE BLOOM: Fritz (Woodend, VIC)
4-12 years
12:00pmKathleen Syme Library and Community CentreChildren’s Workshop: UB: Shadow Puppets
5 – 10 years
Children’s Workshop: PARIS BALLA: Sock PuppetsChildren’s Workshop: GEORGIE ROSE: Rod PuppetsChildren’s Workshop: PARIS BALLA: Junk Puppets
12:30pmLa Mama CourthouseMARK PENZAK: Labyrinth in the Library (Castlemaine, VIC)
3-10 years
MARK PENZAK: Labyrinth in the Library (Castlemaine, VIC)
3-10 years
MARK PENZAK: Labyrinth in the Library (Castlemaine, VIC)
3-10 years
SYDNEY PUPPET THEATRE: In Search of the Giddy Gird Bird (New Berrima, NSW)
5-10 years/family
SYDNEY PUPPET THEATRE: In Search of the Giddy Gird Bird (New Berrima, NSW)
5-10 years/family
LITTLE WING PUPPETS: A Little Bit of Blue (Sydney, NSW)
3-10 years/family
12:45pmCarlton Highrise EstatePEARLY WHITES: Sanctum
All Ages
2:00pmLa Mama HQEM CHANDLER: Moonspell (Ballarat, VIC)
8-12 years
EM CHANDLER: Moonspell (Ballarat, VIC)
8-12 years
EM CHANDLER: Moonspell (Ballarat, VIC)
8-12 years
2:30pmKathleen Syme Library and Community CentreAdults Workshop: JACOB WILLIAMS: ManipulationAdults Workshop: SYDNEY PUPPET THEATRE: Marionette Workshop
3:00pmLa Mama CourthouseDREAM PUPPETS: Dreamer and the Rainbow Tiger (Melb, VIC)
3 -10 years
DREAM PUPPETS: Dreamer and the Rainbow Tiger (Melb, VIC)
3 -10 years
DREAM PUPPETS: Dreamer and the Rainbow Tiger (Melb, VIC)
3 -10 years
LITTLE WING PUPPETS: A Little Bit of Blue (Sydney, NSW)
3-10 years/family
LITTLE WING PUPPETS: A Little Bit of Blue (Sydney, NSW)
3-10 years/family
5:00pmLa Mama CourthouseBLACK HOLE THEATRE: Kuthumi (Melbourne/Dimboola, VIC)
All ages – Family
6.00pmLa Mama CourthouseBLACK HOLE THEATRE: Kuthumi (Melbourne/Dimboola, VIC)
All ages – Family
BLACK HOLE THEATRE: Kuthumi (Melbourne/Dimboola, VIC)
All ages – Family
BLACK HOLE THEATRE: Kuthumi (Melbourne/Dimboola, VIC)
All ages – Family
6.30pmCO.AS.IT.Artist Talk with Sonny Tilders
7:00pmLa Mama HQONE ORANGE SOCK: Things That Wriggle & Squirm (Melb, VIC)
Adults/16 years and up
ONE ORANGE SOCK: Things That Wriggle & Squirm (Melb, VIC)
Adults/16 years and up
ONE ORANGE SOCK: Things That Wriggle & Squirm (Melb, VIC)
Adults/16 years and up
7:30pmOutside Motley BauhausRoving: CURIOUS LEGENDS (Newcastle, NSW)
All Ages
Roving: CURIOUS LEGENDS (Newcastle, NSW)
All Ages
Roving: CURIOUS LEGENDS (Newcastle, NSW)
All Ages
Roving: CURIOUS LEGENDS (Newcastle, NSW)
All Ages
8:00pmMotley Bauhaus downstairsMURRAY AND THE MURRAYONETTES: They Came From Uranus (Melb, VIC)
Adults 18+
MURRAY AND THE MURRAYONETTES: They Came From Uranus (Melb, VIC)
Adults 18+
MURRAY AND THE MURRAYONETTES: They Came From Uranus (Melb, VIC)
Adults 18+
MURRAY AND THE MURRAYONETTES: They Came From Uranus (Melb, VIC)
Adults 18+
8:30pmOutside Motley BauhausRoving: PERRI CAMPBELL (Castlemaine, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: PERRI CAMPBELL (Castlemaine, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: PERRI CAMPBELL (Castlemaine, VIC)
All Ages
Roving: PERRI CAMPBELL (Castlemaine, VIC)
All Ages
9:00pmMotley Bauhaus upstairsSHOWKO: One Night Sushi Stand (Australia/Japan)
Adults/15 years and above
SHOWKO: One Night Sushi Stand (Australia/Japan)
Adults/15 years and above
SHOWKO: One Night Sushi Stand (Australia/Japan)
Adults/15 years and above
SHOWKO: One Night Sushi Stand (Australia/Japan)
Adults/15 years and above

If you’re looking for something to do before or after a show, or maybe even inbetween, pick up one of our Puppet Treasure Hunt sheets from La Mama HQ. Explore the streets of Carlton! 

Can you find where all the puppets are hiding and answer all the questions? Those who do can collect a free prize when they head back to La Mama HQ.


Shows for children and family audiences

Shows for adult audiences (16 years+)

Join us at the Motely Bauhaus for our program of adult works including some wild and weird roving puppets before each show. Roving starts from 7.30pm. Come early, grab a warming ale and enjoy some puppet nonsense with Curious Legends, Julian Chappel and Perri Campbell.


Workshops for children

Professional Development for adults (15 years+)

The Puppet Picnic: Jul 1, Saturday

A FREE Community Day on the lawn of the Carlton Highrise Estate of performances, roving puppets, engaging workshops and an opportunity for all to connect, share and celebrate.

Roving Performances:

Between the hours of 11-12.30pm the streets of Carlton will be visited by a collection of fabulous roving puppets.  Look for us each day between La Mama HQ and the Carlton Courthouse as well as northern end of Lygon St.

GEORGIE ROSE

THE GARDENERS: Things of Foam and Wood

CURIOUS LEGENDS: Adventures of Bin Chick

LEMONY S Puppet Theatre roving puppets

JULES CHAPPLE

PERRI CAMPBELL: The Plot Chickens


Australia council logo

The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2023 is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Victoria, the City of Melbourne, Carlton Inc. The Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society,  La Mama Theatre and Lemony S Puppet Theatre and proudly sponsored by Creature Technology Company, the Motely Bauhaus and Co.As.It

Autumn 2023

THE GRIEF TRILOGY

Three plays about women connecting in public space through their experiences of grief and loss. Created over the last seven years by writer/director Liv Satchell with an ensemble of Melbourne’s leading theatre artists, The Grief Trilogy brings the critically acclaimed productions let bleeding girls lie and my sister feather and the world premiere of I … Continued

THE GRIEF TRILOGY

1 Mar – 19 Mar

Three plays about women connecting in public space through their experiences of grief and loss.

Created over the last seven years by writer/director Liv Satchell with an ensemble of Melbourne’s leading theatre artists, The Grief Trilogy brings the critically acclaimed productions let bleeding girls lie and my sister feather and the world premiere of I sat and waited but you were gone too long to La Mama Courthouse in March 2023. Nominated for seven Green Room Awards and now produced for the first time as a complete body of work, these plays explore transformational encounters between strangers and our desire for connection in the face of loss, grief, and violence.

★★★★ “A gorgeous exhibition of empathetic theatre making […] Chanella Macri, Belinda McClory and Emily Tomlins sharing a stage together should be reason enough to stop reading immediately and book a ticket.”

– THEATRE PEOPLE on let bleeding girls lie

★★★★ “A funny and profoundly touching play, stylishly designed and directed, that touches on sombre subjects […] with empathy and humour.”

– THE AGE on let bleeding girls lie

“Satchell and her team admirably demonstrate that good theatre doesn’t need big casts and bigger sets. All it needs is a couple of great actors and a script that has something to say.”

– WITNESS PERFORMANCE on my sister feather

Directed by Liv Satchell

Written by Liv Satchell with Chanella Macri, Belinda McClory, Emily Tomlins

Dramaturgy by Emma Valente

Production Design by James Lew

Sound Design by Tom Backhaus and Hannah McKittrick

Lighting Design by John Collopy with Jason Crick

Stage Managed by Ashleigh Walwyn

Produced by Julian Dibley-Hall

Assistant Directed by Leigh Lule

This production is supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants, Creative Partnerships Australia through MATCH Lab, and the Robert Salzer Foundation.

Summer 2023

Summer 2023

17 Jan – 2 Apr

Spring 2022

Spring 2022

3 Oct – 18 Dec

La Mama Explorations 2022

28 shows, 3 nights per show, $15 all tix

La Mama Explorations 2022

17 Oct – 18 Dec

28 shows, 3 nights per show, $15 all tix

La Mamica

La Mamica is our artist-driven programs that extend beyond theatre, across art-forms and into other realms of performance.

A sisterhood of quarterly events that showcases Music, Poetry and Cabaret artists.

Winter 2022

Winter 2022

5 Jul – 2 Oct

Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022

27 Apr – 3 Jul

Private: La Mama for Kids Online 2021

Private: La Mama for Kids Online 2021

War-Rak/Banksia Festival

After fire, the War-Rak/Banksia flower comes back stronger and more beautiful than ever, blossoming with colour and life! Inspired by rebirth, La Mama’s War-Rak/Banksia Festival commemorates the return of our iconic home with a free four day celebration. Please join us to mark this joyful occasion, check out our new digs and be welcomed home. … Continued

War-Rak/Banksia Festival

9 Dec – 12 Dec

After fire, the War-Rak/Banksia flower comes back stronger and more beautiful than ever, blossoming with colour and life! Inspired by rebirth, La Mama’s War-Rak/Banksia Festival commemorates the return of our iconic home with a free four day celebration. Please join us to mark this joyful occasion, check out our new digs and be welcomed home.


Access at War-Rak/Banksia Festival

La Mama’s War-Rak Banksia Opening Night on Thursday 9th December will be a fully Auslan Interpreted event provided by Auslan Stageleft.  Audio Description and Tactile Tours for the Opening Night are available upon request – please direct all bookings/enquiries to myf@lamama.com.au by Wednesday 1st December. Please check individual show pages for more details regarding Visual and Aural ratings of works in the Festival. 


Covid Safety at War-Rak/Banksia Festival

La Mama Theatre is opening in line with the Victorian Government’s guidelines. While we continue to work towards a safe environment for all, the situation is constantly evolving, and so too our Covid-Safe plan. We will continue to be informed by the Victorian Government, VAPAC and the LPA. The below document outlines the steps we will take to ensure the safety of our staff, artists, patrons and visitors during this time of crisis and into the future. 

Download Covid Safety plan: HERE


Livestream at War-Rak/Banksia Festival

Our Opening Night and some of the shows performed in the theatre space will be live-streamed on La Mama’s Facebook and Youtube Channel with live captioning. Download the livestream schedule below and set a reminder!



Opening Night

a chance to kick-off the festival by marking and rejoicing in La Mama’s long-awaited rebirth.

La Mama for Kids at War-Rak/Banksia Festival

for our littlest theatre lovers.

 

La Mamica Takeover War-Rak/Banksia Festival

a diverse feast of multi-art performance, lovingly crafted to greet the new La Mama.

On Stage

playreadings and performances from some of La Mama’s returning favourites.

Sublime Happenings

an eclectic carnival of site-specific creations, introducing, exploring, and awakening every corner of La Mama HQ

Sensory Installations

everywhere you turn, new sensory surprises await. 

Lloyd Jones Ensemble: The Installation

experimental, boundary shattering, existential theatre.


Thank you and acknowledgement of War-Rak/Banksia Festival Production team

Hayley Fox – Production Manager

Rebecca Etchell – Assistant Production Manager

Eloise Kent – Event Designer and Curatorial Support. 

Bronwyn Pringle – Festival Lighting Designer

Clare Springett – Associate Lighting Designer 

See full bios for the production team here.

Festival Operators: Millie Levakis-Lucas, Rosie Leway, Sarah Bianco, Shane Grant.

Thank you to our production partners for their generous contributions to the lighting and audio of War Rak Banksia Festival.
Clearlight Shows
LSS Productions

Private: Deadly Events at La Mama

Private: Deadly Events at La Mama

Past Playreadings & Book Launches

Past Playreadings & Book Launches

An Indigenous Trilogy

Experimental, independent First People’s theatre. An Indigenous Trilogy explores issues facing young Indigenous people, family and systemic racism whilst poetically intertwining First Nation Creation Stories. Playwright Glenn Shea’s personal experience working with children within the criminal justice system and his lived experience as a Stolen Generation child have informed this powerful story. Week 1: Act … Continued

An Indigenous Trilogy

8 Nov – 27 Nov

Experimental, independent First People’s theatre.

An Indigenous Trilogy explores issues facing young Indigenous people, family and systemic racism whilst poetically intertwining First Nation Creation Stories. Playwright Glenn Shea’s personal experience working with children within the criminal justice system and his lived experience as a Stolen Generation child have informed this powerful story.

Week 1: Act I: Three Magpies Perched in a Tree 8 – 13 Nov

Week 2: Act II: Masterpiece 15 – 20 Nov

Week 3: Trilogy 23 – 27 Nov: All three shows will be presented this week, click the events below for further information.

Durational Performances: Nov 26 & 27. All three acts will be presented together during the course of a day with two intervals. 


Creative team: Glenn Shea, Tessa Spooner, Valentina Serebrennikova (Design), DE (Sound), Browyn Pringle (Lighting), Mia Reilly-Shea, Kristel Kickett, Lauren Thuys, Dr. Kirsty M Reilly (Intimacy Coach) and Lucy Payne (Trainee Intimacy Coach)

Mentees: Isabel Knight (directing), Brodie Murray (writing), Maxi Sam-Morris (lighting) and Ben Ridgeway (sound)

Image by Darren Gill & Mia Reilly-Shea

Private: La Mama HQ Winter & Spring 2021

Private: La Mama HQ Winter & Spring 2021

21 Oct – 12 Dec

Private: Seniors Festival at La Mama 2021

Private: Seniors Festival at La Mama 2021

19 Oct – 24 Oct

Private: Melbourne Fringe at La Mama 2021

Private: Melbourne Fringe at La Mama 2021

28 Sep – 17 Oct

La Mama Kids

We are thrilled to reignite La Mama for Kids – our dedicated program for children and young people. La Mama for Kids aims to provide opportunities for young people and children to express their creativity, as well as the chance to engage in performance and art specifically made for (and by) them. For more information … Continued

A group of young people from Carlton Primary School look directly into the camera.

We are thrilled to reignite La Mama for Kids – our dedicated program for children and young people. La Mama for Kids aims to provide opportunities for young people and children to express their creativity, as well as the chance to engage in performance and art specifically made for (and by) them. For more information about La Mama for Kids please see here.


If you are a parent/carer and would like to be kept in the loop about future La Mama Kids offerings, please sign-up to our La Mama Kids list below.

Subscribe to La Mama for Kids

* indicates required

Private: Playreadings & Book Launches

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Playreadings & Book Launches

Past La Mama Cabaretica

Past La Mama Cabaretica

Love Fest 2021

A mini festival of love/unlove. 2 shows in 1 weird night out. Are you lonely? Unloved? In a long term relationship with your laptop? Watching too much TV? Do you prefer fantasy? Has that fantasy let you down? Do you miss real people? Do you hate real people? Do you feel subpar and ugly?  Us … Continued

Love Fest 2021

9 Feb – 21 Feb

A mini festival of love/unlove. 2 shows in 1 weird night out.

Are you lonely? Unloved? In a long term relationship with your laptop? Watching too much TV? Do you prefer fantasy? Has that fantasy let you down? Do you miss real people? Do you hate real people? Do you feel subpar and ugly? 

Us too. 

Let us fill that void. Come and stare at us silently in the dark while we perform for you. Love us. Please love us. Please please please please love us… Please. 

Ticket Prices:

Single show: $30 Full | $20 Concession, $25 Groups 5+ (use the code word SQUAD when booking)
Double Bill (see both shows in one night): $50 Full | $30 Concession (use the code word DOUBLE when booking)

December 2020

La Mama is thrilled to reopen and welcome you back to the theatre! To ensure the comfort and safety of our audiences, artists and staff we have put together a COVID-Safe plan. You can see all the information on La Mama’s Covid Safety page.

December 2020

8 Dec – 20 Dec

La Mama is thrilled to reopen and welcome you back to the theatre! To ensure the comfort and safety of our audiences, artists and staff we have put together a COVID-Safe plan. You can see all the information on La Mama’s Covid Safety page.

La Mama North Fringe 2020

La Mama North is a festival of new digital theatre created by students from La Trobe University, Bundoora for Melbourne Fringe Festival 2020. A co-production between La Mama and La Trobe University.

La Mama North Fringe 2020

18 Nov – 29 Nov

La Mama North is a festival of new digital theatre created by students from La Trobe University, Bundoora for Melbourne Fringe Festival 2020. A co-production between La Mama and La Trobe University.

Private: La Mama Cinematica!

La Mama theatre has a rich history of presenting avant-garde and cutting edge film. Notably, in 1978 La Mama debuted a collection of films entitled Women on Film that included works by Peter Tammer, Lisa Roberts and Monique Schwarz.Continuing this legacy, La Mama is pleased to present Cinematica. A quarterly event to present short-film, obscure music videos, experimental film, … Continued

Private: La Mama Cinematica!

La Mama theatre has a rich history of presenting avant-garde and cutting edge film. Notably, in 1978 La Mama debuted a collection of films entitled Women on Film that included works by Peter Tammer, Lisa Roberts and Monique Schwarz.
Continuing this legacy, La Mama is pleased to present Cinematica. A quarterly event to present short-film, obscure music videos, experimental film, the moving-image and avant-garde cinema. Now curated by Tessa Spooner, La Mama will hold seasonal, curated evenings of thematic cinema. 

Please contact Tessa Spooner at cinematica@lamama.com.au regarding proposals.

Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2021

UPDATE:Due to the ever-evolving Covid-19 pandemic Puppets and Masks of Italy will no longer run at this year’s Melbourne Festival of Puppetry. Please contact La Mama to organise your refund, or consider donating the price of the ticket to the artists. If you would like to move your tickets to another show within the festival please get in touch via info@lamama.com.au or … Continued

Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2021

6 Jul – 11 Jul
UPDATE:
Due to the ever-evolving Covid-19 pandemic Puppets and Masks of Italy will no longer run at this year’s Melbourne Festival of Puppetry. Please contact La Mama to organise your refund, or consider donating the price of the ticket to the artists. If you would like to move your tickets to another show within the festival please get in touch via info@lamama.com.au or (03) 9347 6948. You can see the rest of the program below.

Welcome to the 2021 Melbourne Festival of Puppetry. This year’s festival was originally scheduled for 2019 but first, the fire at La Mama delayed us and then the world as a whole fell apart and so, here we stand in 2021 offering you a festival filled with joy and love and, of course, puppetry. It seems a miracle that this is possible and while we are sad our international guest artists could not join us, we are delighted to welcome artists from across Australia to present their work. It’s been such a rough time in the performing arts over the past 12 months. It’s also been a rough time for the young people of Melbourne so it gives us immense pleasure to focus this year’s festival on presenting quality puppetry works for young audiences. But, our adult friends are not forgotten. This year, we are presenting a day and night adult program with our friends A Blanck Canvas Studio at Seaworks in Williamstown.  We hope these art offerings lighten your load, bring a smile to your face and warm your winter chills.   

The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry is presented by La Mama Theatre and Lemony S Puppet Theatre in partnership with Co.As.It.  We are supported by Creative Victoria and City of Melbourne and proudly sponsored by Creature Technology Company.

Shows – Tuesday to Friday

TimeTuesWedThursFri
10 amThe Last Lighthouse Keeper
(3 – 8 years old)
The Last Lighthouse Keeper
(3 – 8 years old)
The Last Lighthouse Keeper
(3 – 8 years old)
Once Upon a Time Cafe
(4 years and up)
1pmThe Land Where One Never Dies
(5 -10 years old)
The Land Where One Never Dies
(5 -10 years old)
The Land Where One Never Dies
(5 -10 years old)
Pearly Whites
(all ages)
2pmHammer and Thumb
(5 years and up)
Hammer and Thumb
(5 years and up)
Hammer and Thumb
(5 years and up)
Puppets and Masks of Italy
(all ages)
2:30pm Free RovingFree Roving: Bonkel
(all ages)
Free Roving: Bonkel
(all ages)
Free Roving: Bonkel
(all ages)
Free Roving: Curious Legends
(all ages)
3pmThe Fish That Wanted to Fly
(3 – 10 years)
The Fish That Wanted to Fly
(3 – 10 years)
5.30pmFree street performance:
I Once Was A Tree & Solastalgia
(all ages)
Free street performance:
I Once Was A Tree & Solastalgia
(all ages)
Free street performance:
I Once Was A Tree & Solastalgia
(all ages)
6 pmPicasso and his Dog
(Family audiences)
Picasso and his Dog
(Family audiences)
Picasso and his Dog
(Family audiences)

Shows – Saturday & Sunday

TimeSatSun
10amOnce Upon a Time Cafe
(4 years and up)
Once Upon a Time Cafe
(4 years and up)
11amPicasso and his Dog
(Family audiences)
1pmPearly Whites
(all ages)
Pearly Whites
(all ages)
2pmPuppets and Masks of Italy
(all ages)
Puppets and Masks of Italy
(all ages)
2.30pmFree Roving: Curious Legends
(all ages)
Free Roving: Curious Legends
(all ages)
3pmSpike the Echidna
(3 – 10 years)
Spike the Echidna
(3 – 10 years)
4pmFree street performance:
I Once Was A Tree & Solastalgia
(all ages)
5.30pmFree street performance:
I Once Was A Tree & Solastalgia
(all ages)
6pmPicasso and his Dog
(family audiences)

Workshops for Kids

TimeThursFriSatSun
11:30 amSock Puppets by Lemony SWhats a Puppet? by Black Hole TheatreTrash PuppetsShadows by Kyoko Imazu

For the Adults

TimeSat
10am – 1pmPuppetry and performance workshop with Jacob Williams.
2pm – 5pmHow to turn heads with Puppetry
8pmPuppetry Potluck
CO.AS.IT logo

Past La Mama for Kids

Past La Mama for Kids

Past La Mama Poetica

Past La Mama Poetica

Past La Mama Musica

Past La Mama Musica

Private: La Mama Cabaretica

As the latest addition to the sisterhood of La Mama’s monthly or seasonal events, La Mama Cabaretica provides a vivid celebration of the cabaret scene in Melbourne. Cabaretica is co-curated by Susan Bamford Caleo and Isabel Knight and is a, quarterly, late-night performance, offering an opportunity for established and emerging cabaret performers, and fans of cabaret, to come together … Continued

Private: La Mama Cabaretica

As the latest addition to the sisterhood of La Mama’s monthly or seasonal events, La Mama Cabaretica provides a vivid celebration of the cabaret scene in Melbourne. Cabaretica is co-curated by Susan Bamford Caleo and Isabel Knight and is a, quarterly, late-night performance, offering an opportunity for established and emerging cabaret performers, and fans of cabaret, to come together to expand, explore and explode this bold and dynamic artform.

Please contact Isabel Knight at cabaretica@lamama.com.au regarding proposals to perform.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival at La Mama 2020

It is with sadness and concern for our artists that we will be postponing our entire Comedy Festival season, including the productions of: We Too Us Too Me Too Too Too, Incognito!, The Business of God and Mrs. Robinson: A Soap Cabaret. We hope to re-program all these productions in 2021 and trust you will understand the need … Continued

Melbourne International Comedy Festival at La Mama 2020

23 Mar – 19 Apr

It is with sadness and concern for our artists that we will be postponing our entire Comedy Festival season, including the productions of: We Too Us Too Me Too Too Too, Incognito!, The Business of God and Mrs. Robinson: A Soap Cabaret.

We hope to re-program all these productions in 2021 and trust you will understand the need for this decision at this time.

We strongly encourage anyone who has bought a ticket to consider making this a donation to the artists involved. This is a very unnerving time for all, but the independent arts sector is, as always, particularly vulnerable. The artists have been working very hard and we hope to support them as best as we can. We have set up the possibility of donating directly to artists, so please go to the show pages on our website if you are in a position to support.

Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2017

The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry is back! And this year, there is an incredible array of puppetry to be experienced from across Australia and across the world. This years program includes special performances from Anino Shadowplay Collective (Philipines), People Who Play With Theatre (New Zealand) as well as performances by the world-renowned Australian puppeteer Richard … Continued

Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2017

The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry is back! And this year, there is an incredible array of puppetry to be experienced from across Australia and across the world. This years program includes special performances from Anino Shadowplay Collective (Philipines), People Who Play With Theatre (New Zealand) as well as performances by the world-renowned Australian puppeteer Richard Bradshaw (NSW, Australia) to mention but a few. New to the festival this year is a workshop program for children and a professional development program for adults, including special guest workshop leader, Sorn Soran (Cambodia). There are free puppet events daily and performances across La Mama’s venues for all ages so book early! Remember, book four shows and receive your fifth show for free (use the 5 FOR 4 SPECIAL option).

The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry is supported by Creative Victoria, the City of Melbourne, La Mama Theatre, Lemony S Puppet Theatre and proudly sponsored by Creature Technology Company.

Explorations 2019

Due to the fire at La Mama Theatre on Faraday Street on the 19th of May 2018, our Explorations season for 2019 will be taking place at The Burrow 83, Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Vic

Explorations 2019

9 Jun – 30 Jun

Due to the fire at La Mama Theatre on Faraday Street on the 19th of May 2018, our Explorations season for 2019 will be taking place at The Burrow 83, Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Vic

Winter & Spring 2019

Winter & Spring 2019

26 Jun – 14 Dec
On today

Private: La Mama Poetica

La Mama presented poetry for the first time in 1967 with Glen Tomesetti and Kris Hemmensley. Following these wonderful events, Mal Morgan began to organise La Mama Poetica nights which took place every five weeks. Now curated by Amanda Anastasi, La Mama Poetica remains a night of some of the best spoken word and poetry that Melbourne has to … Continued

Private: La Mama Poetica

La Mama presented poetry for the first time in 1967 with Glen Tomesetti and Kris Hemmensley. Following these wonderful events, Mal Morgan began to organise La Mama Poetica nights which took place every five weeks. Now curated by Amanda AnastasiLa Mama Poetica remains a night of some of the best spoken word and poetry that Melbourne has to offer, with a diverse selection of both emerging and established poets.

Private: La Mama Musica

La Mama Musica is one of Melbourne’s longest running music nights, in operation since 1969. It is a curated concert series showcasing creative music, improvising musicians and sound-artists. The intimate settings and fabulous acoustics of La Mama’s two historic theatres allows fine musicians to perform in a very special environment, amidst the set of the … Continued

Private: La Mama Musica

La Mama Musica is one of Melbourne’s longest running music nights, in operation since 1969. It is a curated concert series showcasing creative music, improvising musicians and sound-artists. The intimate settings and fabulous acoustics of La Mama’s two historic theatres allows fine musicians to perform in a very special environment, amidst the set of the current theatre production – so improvisation and flexibility of presentation is also part of our process. Musica encourages unusual collaborations, provides a vital space for creative risk-taking and supports the development of new work – giving each event a special air of excitement for artists and audience alike. From 2022 – 2025 we hope to develop a partnership with Melbourne Music Week to connect, bring in new audiences and highlight and extend the program.

Curator: Gemma Horbury

When: Monday nights four times a year.