This week in the Matthew Flinders Theatre, the Drama Centre students are presenting the major research-led Honours performance for the year, and in addition to the evening performances, they are offering a special free matinee performance for staff and students at 11am on Friday.

The Shock of the New in Adelaide is a curated anthology performance of scenes from pivotal productions in the history of South Australian theatre—works that shifted the cultural landscape, sparked conversation, or simply refused to play by the rules.

Performed by the graduating actors of the Bachelor of Performance (Honours), this dynamic collection traces the pulse of innovation through Adelaide’s theatrical past. From iconic breakthroughs to little-known provocations, the result is a vivid, shape-shifting evening of live performance—an archival excavation turned living, breathing theatre.

A collaborative performance guided by the Australian Creative Histories and Futures Artist in Residence, director Chris Drummond, and supported by the State Theatre Company of South Australia, The Shock of the New in Adelaide is staged with striking imagery and bold performer-led interpretation.

We would love for you to join us at one of the performances. Please contact Chris Hurrell to arrange a free ticket to this Friday’s matinee performance.

Some plays began here. Others landed here and left a mark.
All of them helped reimagine what our theatre could be.
Directed by: Chris Drummond
Performed by: the graduating actors of the Bachelor of Performance (Honours)
Performances: August 6, 7, 8, 9 at 7:30pm, August 8 at 11:00am
Tickets: Adult: $25, Concession: $18, Student:$12. Buy now
Matthew Flinders Theatre, Humanities Road Bedford Park (nearest parking Carpark 5).