A powerful reclaiming of history, this May Theatre Works invites audiences to a vital Australian work by acclaimed playwright John Harding.
Running as part of the 2026 By Theatre Works season, Lazarus tells the extraordinary true story of Larry Walsh; a Taungurung Elder, activist, and storyteller. The play traces his life from 1955 – through his removal from his mother, his time in state institutions, and his eventual journey toward cultural reclamation and leadership.
Rich with live music, evocative imagery and with more than 20 characters brought to life by an exceptional cast, Lazarus is helmed by multi-award-winning Director Kamarra Bell-Wykes, and is a powerful celebration of culture, resilience, and the unbreakable ties between mother and child, community and Country.
With an ensemble led by First Nations artists Sermsah Bin Saad, Teresa Moore, Nathan Wright, and Riley Warner, Director Kamarra Bell-Wykes is bringing a bold new interpretation of Lazarus to the Theatre Works stage. An electric reimagining of the work presented in the 2025 Yirramboi Festival, this latest season is also being spotlit for its cultural and educational significance, and is a featured work on the 2026 VCE Drama Playlist. Developed with the support of Australian Plays Transform and playing for a limited season, Lazarus is poised to be a true highlight on the 2026 Melbourne Arts Calendar, not to be missed.
Based in St Kilda, Theatre Works has been home to bold, independent theatre for more than 40 years. They give artists the space, support, and freedom to take risks, and audiences the chance to discover powerful new Australian stories. Each year, they present dozens of productions across their three venues, from reimagined classics to brand new works, created in partnership with some of the country’s most exciting theatre makers.
Other 2026 By Theatre Works productions include Australian Open, Savages, Beyond The Neck, Mara, Red Sky Morning, Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, The Wolves, and Lord of the Flies.
May 21 – June 6
