Are You There? at the Explosives Factory

by | Jul 7, 2025

One very small space. Three very different women. Thank God it’s Friday.

Pia is the energetic, loud, accidentally foul-mouthed ‘Director of First Impressions’ at Autumn Dale Village, a busy aged-care home. With the foyer as her office, she’s a captive audience – chained to her spreadsheets and relentless work calls Pia tries to keep the residents amused and safe, while behind the scenes her personal life is descending into chaos.

Her more persistent front-of-house companions across the last decade include 90-year-old Lauren and 75-year-old Colleen. With Lauren now reduced to one questioning phrase and Colleen’s world ruled by her dead mother – Pia truly does thank God it’s Friday.

A premiere season of writer Irene Korsten’s latest work, Are You There? brings together a talented team of Melbourne creatives including director Rachel Baring and actors Jane Clifton and Melanie Madrigali. Running for a limited time at the Explosive’s Factory in St Kilda, this new Australian dark comedy from Wild Boar Theatre promises to liven up a crisp Spring night. Tickets now on sale.

Wild Boar Theatre Company brings new Australian works to life while revitalising classics. Its performance focus is on fostering emerging artists to collaborate with established artists, creating opportunities for those on the margins.

Theatre Works is a vibrant hub for creative expression, fostering the development and presentation of innovative and daring performances. Committed to supporting the next generation of artists and engaging audiences with powerful storytelling, the organisation is vital to Australia’s cultural landscape. Are You There? is playing as a part of the With Theatre Works programming stream.

September 3 – 13

www.theatreworks.org.au/2025/are-you-there

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