Sydney's independent theatre scene continues to evolve with the announcement that Come you Spirits has been appointed as a resident company at both The Concourse and Darling Quarter Theatre. This partnership represents a significant commitment to supporting innovative approaches to classical theatre, with the company's distinctive environmental storytelling finding permanent venues to complement their adventurous artistic vision.
Founded by Charles Mayer and Jo Bloom, Come you Spirits has built a reputation for presenting Shakespeare in extraordinary locations, from tall ships on Sydney Harbour to Western Australia's Stonehenge replica. This commitment to site-specific performance has always been central to their artistic philosophy, creating productions where environment becomes an active participant in the storytelling rather than mere backdrop.
Their residency debut with Macbeth promises to bring this environment-consciousness indoors, with a reimagining that recasts the witches as elemental forces connected to earth's rhythms rather than as supernatural outcasts. This conceptual shift suggests a production that grounds the play's mystical elements in organic reality, potentially offering fresh insights into one of Shakespeare's most frequently performed works.
The casting of Ella Havelka as one of the witches represents a particularly thoughtful artistic choice. As an artist with both the Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre, Havelka brings a unique fusion of classical and indigenous performance traditions that could prove transformative for the role. Her presence alongside company members Jo Bloom and Willa King suggests a production that combines spoken word with movement in ways that honour both Shakespeare's text and contemporary performance practices.
The decision to present the production at both venues indicates significant ambition. The Concourse's flexible performance spaces and community focus complement Darling Quarter's central location and corporate audience base, allowing the company to reach diverse demographics while maintaining artistic consistency.
For The Concourse, adding Come you Spirits alongside established resident Willoughby Theatre Company demonstrates growing confidence in supporting independent theatre makers through ongoing partnerships rather than one-off programming. This model provides companies with the stability to develop long-term artistic visions while giving venues distinctive programming that reflects their cultural values.
This residency arrangement also reflects broader trends in Sydney's theatre ecology, where venues increasingly recognise the value of sustained relationships with artistic companies. Rather than functioning merely as rental spaces, venues like The Concourse and Darling Quarter Theatre (both operated by Century Venues) are positioning themselves as cultural partners, providing not just performance spaces but ongoing support for artistic development.
The partnership also signals Century's commitment to supporting local theatre makers at a time when independent companies face increasing economic pressures. By providing stable performance opportunities, The Concourse and Darling Quarter Theatre are investing in the long-term development of Sydney's theatrical landscape.
This residency represents more than just a programming arrangement. It's a commitment to innovative classical theatre that honours both tradition and transformation.
When and where:
7pm on Tues 5 and Sat 9 Aug, and 11am on Tues 5, Thurs 7 and Fri 8 Aug – The Lounge, The Concourse, Chatswood - www.theconcourse.com.au/event/macbeth-in-the-lounge
7pm on Thurs 14 Aug and 11am on Wed 13, Thurs 14 and Fri 15 Aug – Darling Quarter Theatre, Darling Harbour - darlingquartertheatre.com.au/event/macbeth-come-you-spirits
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