Since its inception in 2003, Essential Theatre has become one of Australia’s longest-standing independent theatre companies producing rigorous, accessible & nationally touring work. For more than 20 years the company has built a strong reputation for bold reinterpretations of classic texts & for championing female-led narratives. Remarkably sustained as an independent company Essential Theatre toured for 20 consecutive years, across Australia & NZ with Shakespeare in the Vines and presented work at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with their five-star, all-female production of Julius Caesar.
In 2021 the company co-produced the Australian premiere of Emilia at Arts Centre Melbourne – a large-scale historical drama celebrating the story of Emilia Bassano, a trailblazing woman who refused to take no for an answer.
Essential Theatre has consistently operated at the intersection of artistic excellence & gender equity, with a strong track record of developing bold new work from concept through to production. Led by dynamic duo Amanda LaBonté and Sophie Lampel – both of which oversee different projects across the company’s growing slate – Essential Theatre has an exciting range of works currently in development and can’t wait to share what’s next with our incredible community of supporters.