Monash-commissioned Back to Back Theatre work revealed ahead of MPAC's 2027 season
Image credit: Willem Kingma
Monash Performing Arts Centres (MPAC) and internationally acclaimed Back to Back Theatre have announced a major new theatre work commissioned by Monash University, offering audiences an early glimpse of the MPAC 2027 season.
NEANDERTHAL - Histoire(s) du Théâtre VIII is an ambitious new production exploring intelligence, extinction and what it means to be human. Created by Back to Back Theatre's ensemble of artists with intellectual disabilities and directed by Bruce Gladwin, the work will premiere in 2027 following an extensive period of artistic development and research.
Originally commissioned by Monash University through MPAC, the production represents a significant creative partnership between one of Australia's leading universities and one of the country's most celebrated theatre companies.
Based on Waddawurrung Country in Geelong, Back to Back Theatre is recognised globally for creating groundbreaking contemporary theatre with an ensemble of actors who identify as having an intellectual disability or as neurodivergent. The company has presented work on some of the world's most respected stages and was awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre at the Venice Biennale in 2024.
Drawing on conversations with Monash paleontologists, Neanderthal experts, a philosopher and a psychoanalyst, NEANDERTHAL examines enduring questions about cognition, adaptation and extinction.
The work follows an acclaimed voice-over artist whose personal and professional life begins to unravel while narrating a documentary series about the last Neanderthals. Through this story-within-a-story, the production explores human exceptionalism, relevance and survival.
The production has been devised by an ensemble and creative team comprising Grace Kenny, Simon Laherty, Nathan Legg, Sarah Mainwaring, Scott Price, Alana Hoggart, Erin Kearns, Ingrid Voorendt, Jessica Walker and Bruce Gladwin. The cast includes Grace Kenny, Simon Laherty, Nathan Legg, Sarah Mainwaring and Scott Price.
Adding further scale to the production, Grammy-nominated New York composer and trombonist Andy Clausen will create an original score performed live by a brass quintet integrated into the action on stage. Featuring eleven performers, NEANDERTHAL will be the largest production in Back to Back Theatre's history.
Professor Paul Grabowsky AO, Executive Director, MPAC, said the project reflected the unique possibilities that emerge when artists and researchers work together.
"Back to Back Theatre has long been one of Australia's most original and influential artistic voices, creating work that resonates on stages around the world. As a Monash-commissioned project, Neanderthal reflects our commitment to supporting ambitious artists and bold new ideas.
Our partnership also exemplifies the unique creative opportunities of being a public arts centre on the campus of a major university, where the company's engagement with Monash paleontologists and Neanderthal experts - conversations full of Back to Back's trademark curiosity, humour and imagination - has helped shape the creation of this work. We're incredibly proud to partner with Back to Back and to premiere this landmark work, Neanderthal, in 2027."
The project has been assisted through the Australian Government's Major Festivals Initiative, managed by Creative Australia in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals. Festival partners include RISING Melbourne, Sydney Festival, Adelaide Festival, Perth Festival, Wiener Festwochen (Vienna), Kunstenfestivaldesarts (Brussels), Berliner Festspiele (Berlin), Festival d'Automne (Paris) and Culturgest (Lisbon).
Back to Back Theatre is supported by Creative Australia, Creative Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong and the Anthony Costa Foundation, with additional support from the Keir Foundation and Geelong Arts Centre.
NEANDERTHAL will premiere in Monash University’s Alexander Theatre from 22 - 24 April 2027 as part of MPAC's forthcoming season. Further details, including ticket information, will be announced soon.
Register your interest: mpac.monash.edu/event/neanderthal