It is almost a year since Lisette Drew suddenly had to leave her second home – the theatre where she was stage managing Melbourne Theatre Company’s“We didn’t even know it was our final performance,” she says. “We just left the whole stage as it was, set, props, everything. And then on the Monday we were told, we’re not going on. It was pretty heartbreaking.”It feels like an age ago: that moment when the reality of the pandemic hit. The nervousness, the uncertainty going into that first lockdown.
But now they’re back. Last week MTC returned to Southbank Theatre to rehearse its first main-stage show since the March 2020 pandemic shutdown – the Australian premiere of, a drama about sex and power left over from last year’s unfinished season, but which couldn’t feel more timely. “It feels wonderful,” says Spielman. “It feels like the building has been quiet and appreciates activity.”at Theatre Works in January, she sensed “the energy and the vibe out there [in the audience] is so loving, because everybody’s just happy to be here”.To Spielman, a theatre is a cross between a home and a family. Being back feels like being embraced after a year without human contact.
May the MTC have a successful return to production. To everyone connected I wish the best. Breaking Legs? Does that still work? 🌹🐨