The Visitors

A new production of this contemporary classic and a riveting insight into one of the most impactful days in Australia’s history.

11 Sep - 14 Oct 2023

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

The Play

★★★★★ "Astounding... challenges the mind and moves the heart" Time Out
★★★★★ Suzy Goes See
★★★★ The Guardian
★★★★ The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★ Limelight

THE VISITORS

By Jane Harrison
Directed by Wesley Enoch

Visitors leave. Right?

On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. The attendees, six of them Elders and one new initiate, catch-up, laugh together, share a meal and compare notes. But beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made.

A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?

After its Sydney Theatre Award-winning premiere at the 2020 Sydney Festival, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s The Visitors will be reworked for this brand-new production directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch. An incredible cast featuring Pertame and Tiwi actor Joseph Wunujaka Althouse; Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal actor Luke Carroll; Yunkunytjatjara, Warrigmal and South Sea Islander actor Elaine Crombie; Noongar and Budmiya actor Kyle Morrison; Eastern Arrernte and Arabana actor Aaron Pedersen; Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay actor Beau Dean Riley Smith; Biripi actor Guy Simon, and Gumbaynggirr and Wiradjuri actor Dalara Williams, will bring to life this hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.

Part of Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary program and co-produced by STC and Moogahlin Performing Arts, The Visitors is a riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history

Approx. duration 1 hr 15 mins (no interval). Subject to change.
Content Infrequent coarse language, themes of racial violence, descriptions of violence, intergenerational trauma, and theatrical haze. Subject to change.

VISITOR SAFETY INFORMATION

The safety of our audiences, artists and staff is of paramount importance. For full details on our safety measures please visit our Visitor Safety Information page.

Dates

Previews 11 – 14 Sep 2023
Season 16 Sep – 14 Oct 2023

In Conversation: Wesley Enoch & Jane Harrison
Wed 6 Sep, 6.30pm
Book here

Community Night Performance
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community groups
Wed 13 Sep, 7.30pm
Book here

Night with the Artists
Mon 25 Sep, post-show Q&A

Captioned Performances
Tue 26 Sep, 6.30pm
Sat 30 Sep, 1.30pm

Audio Described Performances
Tue 26 Sep, 6.30pm

Auslan-Interpreted Performances
Thu 28 Sep, 7.30pm

Performance start times
Preview performances 7.30pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 1.30pm

Approx. duration 1 hr 15 mins (no interval). Subject to change.

SCHOOLS PERFORMANCES

Wed 11 Oct, 11.30am. Browse our full Education program.

Ticket Information

Single tickets
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $104
Seniors card holder $99
Concession $78
Under 30 $57

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $109

Preview performances
All tickets $57

Groups Discount (10+ people)
Monday – Thursday
A Reserve $94

Please call the Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book groups.

Corporate entertainment packages are also available for this production.

Season Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $98
Adult A Reserve $93
Seniors cardholder $89
Pensioner/Student $70
Under 30 $51
Preview $51

Mini Package prices
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $98
Seniors cardholder $94
Pensioner/Student $74
Under 30 $54

Friday & Saturday performances
A Reserve $103

Preview performances
All tickets $54

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: no fees
Single ticket bookings: $8.50 online; $8.50 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.

Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats. More info.

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event are Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Opera House. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info.

Director Wesley Enoch
Designer Elizabeth Gadsby
Lighting Designer Karen Norris
Composer & Sound Designer Brendon Boney
Associate Director Liza-Mare Syron
Cultural Liaison Aunty Yvonne Simms
Associate Designer Shana O'Brien
Associate Sound Designer Amy Flannery
Senior Dharug & Dharawal Language Teacher Corina Norman
Dharug & Dharawal Language Teacher Jordan Ryan-Hennessey
Fight & Movement Director Nigel Poulton

With
Joseph Wunujaka Althouse, Luke Carroll, Elaine Crombie, Kyle Morrison, Aaron Pedersen, Guy Simon, Beau Dean Riley Smith, Dalara Williams

Marketing image Rob Hookey

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enews.

Yarning Circle

On Monday evenings throughout the season, Moogahlin Performing Arts will host a post-show Yarning Circle in the Sydney Opera House’s Centre for Creativity.

Hosted by queer Goorie writer and community worker Brooke Scobie joined by guest artists, the Yarning Circle is an informal space for audiences to reflect and connect with each other on the themes of colonisation, multigenerational trauma, language revitalisation, and the debate over our Country’s identity that The Visitors raises.

Time:
7.45pm – 9pm

Dates:
Mon 18 Sep 2023
Mon 2 Oct 2023
Mon 9 Oct 2023

Where:
Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House

Price:
Free (No booking)

In Conversation: Wesley Enoch & Jane Harrison
Wed 6 Sep, 6.30pm
Book here

Community Night Performance
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community groups
Wed 13 Sep, 7.30pm
Book here

Night with the Artists
Mon 25 Sep, post-show Q&A

"Astounding... challenges the mind and moves the heart" ★★★★★ Time Out

"Extraordinary... an outstanding cast" ★★★★★ Suzy Goes See 

"Delivered by a First Nations playwright, director and cast, it is powerful, authentic First Nations storytelling brought to a main stage… [this is] Wesley Enoch at his best in play that thrums with fresh potency" ★★★★ The Guardian

"A visceral production of an important play" ★★★★  The Sydney Morning Herald

"Powerful... thought-provoking" ★★★★ Limelight

"A powerful production" Stage Whispers

"A great piece of Australian drama" Cultural Binge

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