Brown’s Mart’s Bright Year Ahead
The beloved institution that is Brown’s Mart Theatre has officially launched a jam‑packed 2025 program, the hardworking team gearing up to deliver audiences a wonderful year of local theatre, music and art.
By Tierney White
THE 2025 BROWN’S Mart Theatre program is thoughtfully curated, kicking off in February with new initiative, Larrakia Studio. The program rolls out across four Thursdays throughout the year, developed to showcase the talents of Larrakia artists. Curated by Artistic Associates Nadine Lee and James Mangohig, Larrakia Studio encourages audiences to form a deeper understanding of Larrakia culture and Country.
“At Larrakia Studio, we’re excited to bring you a variety of art forms, including social justice initiatives, public art, theatre, music, and collaborative healing practices. You can look forward to creating special moments that invite you to be fully present with us. Come join us in celebrating creativity and connection in a warm, welcoming space,” Lee says.
The theatre program launches in March with The Nestmakers, penned by Mparntwe/Alice Springs-based playwright Betty Sweetlove. She says she’s chuffed to have her work debut on the Brown’s Mart stage.
“I am so thrilled my play is being performed at Brown’s Mart. I first started developing my writing through their Fresh Ink youth program, and have gained so much from their residencies and Build Up. It feels so exciting to come full circle and see my play performed there.”
The theatre program continues to deliver the goods throughout the year. Fair Punishment is a gothic tale of intrigue, revelation, survival and hope, based on the translation of the novel La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes by Gaëtan Soucy, adapted for the stage by local creatives Nicky Fearn and Gail Evans.
One-woman show We Keep Everything, penned and performed by local creative Lisa Pellegrino, highlights her family’s migration to Australia from Italy and Scotland in the ‘40s and ‘50s.
The music offering is also hearty, with regular performances from Whistling Kite New Music and the beloved Live On Fridays program making a very welcome return. Add to this the development programs for artists, and we have ourselves a solid year of local work coming our way, with seeds planted for future performances.
The 2025 program is the final released under the leadership of outgoing CEO Sophia Hall, who has been at the helm for the past three years. She says she’s treasured her time with the organisation.
“It’s been great getting to know the remarkable artists here … and I’ve been lucky to have supported some truly incredible projects. Everyone in the community has a Brown’s Mart memory, or several hundred. Today, as it has been for over 50 years, it’s a performance hub that continues to be welcoming, inclusive and Territory-focused.”
Prepare yourselves, arts lovers, for a solid year of local creativity at the home of Territory performing arts.
INFO brownsmart.com.au
Header, thumbnail & inset: Paz Tassone
