BY ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

dogmeat by Tobias Manderson-Galvin 2010
Sleepyhead by Nathaniel Moncrieff 2011
22 Short Plays by David Finnigan 2011
The Horror Face by Glyn Roberts 2011
J.A.T.O. by Vedrana Klepica 2011
22 Short Plays by David Finnigan (Canberra) 2011
She’s A Little Finch by Elise Hearst 2011
The Economist by Tobias Manderson-Galvin 2011
Hose by Bridget Mackey 2012
Tinkertown by Nathaniel Moncrieff 2012
Tuesday. by Louris van de Geer 2012
sex.violence.blood.gore by Alfian bin Sa’at 2012
Triangle by Glyn Roberts 2012
The Economist by Tobias Manderson-Galvin (Melbourne Return) 2012
The Economist by Tobias Manderson-Galvin (Edinburgh) 2012
sex.violence.blood.gore by Alfian bin Sa’at (Sydney) 2012
The Unspoken Word is ‘Joe’ by Zoey Dawson 2012
The Economist by Tobias Manderson-Galvin (Brisbane) 2013
UnSex Me by Mark Wilson 2013 (Adelaide)
22 Short Plays by David Finnigan 2013 (Adelaide)
SOMA by Tobias Manderson-Galvin 2013 (Adelaide)
Group Show 2013

DOGMEAT By Tobias Manderson-Galvin

Sep23-Oct10 2010 (Melbourne)

“finely wrought, resonant text, and excellent performances.”
THE AGE 4 STARS

“The structure, the lateral movement of the themes and the directorial manner stand up as impressively novel. The performances from Banders, Furlani and Conor Gallacher are especially confident and rank as festival highlights.”
PRIMITIVE SURVEYS

“This is what happens when you don’t just let the bad shit in, you welcome it and actively get off on it.”
BLIND DRAGONFLY

“the writing is sharp… the performances are strong.”
RHUM.ORG.AU

“a robust piece with a real sense of the communal storytelling in which theatre has its origins”
WRITING ON A CHALKBOARD

SLEEPYHEAD By Nathaniel Moncrieff

May10-May28 2011 (Melbourne)

“The drama is carefully ravelled and the tone is even throughout; the pace is measured and the delivery uncluttered. The plotting is especially wicked.”
CRIKEY.COM

“the standards of the genre are all there: the imperilled young girl, the monstrous male, the fusing of psychology and environment, the return of the repressed, the descent into hysteria.”
REALTIME

“Virsik’s play is impressive and grim…superb acting…brilliant set design…the most heartbreaking expression you are likely to see on stage for some time”
TIMEOUT

“masterpiece…outstanding show.. see this play; it is really, really good.”
RHUM.ORG.AU

“Excellent cast… A Powerful, dark story.”
MELBOURNE OBSERVER

“Intense, but worth every minute of it… An absorbing script, superb set design and strong delivery make this a compelling and thought-provoking 90 minutes of theatre…all of the actors turn in powerful performances. Highly recommended.”
THEATRE ALIVE

22 SHORT PLAYS by David Finnigan

May31-Jun18 2011 (Melbourne)

“an ideal snapshot of postmodern theory in theatrical form… a production that steadfastly refuses to take anything—least of all itself—with any seriousness…It’s very funny and deliberately pointless.”
REALTIME

“this rapid fire collection of 22 concentrated bits of comedy make this another MKA show worth seeing”
NOTHING CHALLENGING OR SPECIFIC

“edgy, absurd sketch comedy… the natural inheritors of the fast forward team …handled with effortless comic skill”
THE AGE

“Silly, messy and stupid- And proudly so.”
SUNDAY AGE

“22 Short Plays hits you like a slap in the face… I feel energised by the experience”
THEATRE ALIVE

“Great invention, energy and charisma…Exciting and insulting in equal measure.”
AND THEN YOU REACT

“Officially my favourite company this year. Bloody funny stuff…far funnier than any sketch show.”
AUSSIE THEATRE

“I loved this show.”
THEATRE-OF-WORDS

THE HORROR FACE By Glyn Roberts

Jun21-Jul09 2011 (Melbourne)

“surprisingly amusing at points; poignant at others and ultimately a very political play… Inspired and excellently executed performance.”
THEATRE-OF-WORDS

“Entertaining and discombobulating, an unsettling, eccentrically funny work, enriched by edgy performances”
THE AGE

“plenty upon which to ruminate…significance is left teasingly open.”
REALTIME

“A creepy triumph.”
PRIMITIVE SURVEYS

‎”the surreal scenarios hit the perfect balance between sense and nonsense, combined with the sparkling dialogue, ardent delivery, you’ll leave the theatre feeling both amused and intrigued”
TIMEOUT 4 STARS

“the best lion ever on a stage… fearless writing… MKA are a shot of adrenalin into the heart of Melbourne’s independent theatre.”
AUSSIETHEATRE

J.A.T.O. By Vedrana Klepica

Jul12-Jul30 2011 (Melbourne)

“Taught, tight, terrific, terrorist theatrics.”
THE AGE 4 STARS

“Thrilling in the best tradition of European political theatre… Tanya Dickson’s direction is impressive, setting the play up for some thrilling moments of dramatic discord”
TIMEOUT / PRIMITIVE SURVEYS

“deliciously dark… the most exciting new writing and emerging artists around”
AUSSIETHEATRE

“marvellous design and strong performances brimming with intriguing possibility…It’s proof that astute writing isn’t incompatible with the form of post-dramatic theatre and is an encouraging cap for MKA’s first official turn.”
REALTIME

“artistically and effectively staged with first-class actors.”
MELBOURNE OBSERVOR

“a testament to the abilities of this ensemble… depth beyond words.”
THEATRE-OF-WORDS

“A fascinating and effective piece of theatre that showcases some of Melbourne’s finest young talent. Even if gritty European theatre doesn’t quite sound like your thing, the space is worth a visit, if only for the intense intimacy of the production and the feeling of a cosy and welcoming theatre that you’ll no doubt want to return to.”
ARTSHUB

22 SHORT PLAYS By David Finnigan

Sep15-Sep18 2011 (Canberra)

“22 Short Plays descended into Lynchian absurdity…As with all experimental theatre the audience sits in the front rows at their own risk… a thoroughly enjoyable journey through early 21st century culture.”
RIOTACT

‎”a great show with a lot of laughs … Brad Williams and Kerith Manderson-Galvin burst into the energy of the show… then (Conor) Gallacher comes to the fore … his impeccable comic timing and carefully executed character changes”
AUSTRALIAN STAGE ONLINE

SHE’S A LITTLE FINCH by Elise Hearst

Nov15-Nov26 2011 (Melbourne)

“ her dialogue is fresh and natural… her writing is beautifully dark, painfully funny and stays with you long after the play’s end…the cast find the honesty and the pain in her subtext.”
SOMETIMESMELBOURNE/AUSSIETHEATRE.COM

“ some really gloriously awkward exchanges… Alexandria Steffensen and Dent both show off their range, and Kerith Manderson-Galvin perfectly captures the random awkwardness of the tween Josie.”
ARTSHUB.COM.AU

THE ECONOMIST by Tobias Manderson-Galvin

Nov29-Dec10 2011 (Melbourne)

“An intelligent and considered piece of theatre.”
REALTIME MAGAZINE

“Van Badham’s tight, disarmingly imaginative and superbly acted production…Manderson-Galvin’s script is clever without being ostentatious, and poetic without sacrificing authenticity…impressive, psychologically sound and a surprisingly staid piece.”
THE AUSTRALIAN

“a potent and clinically performed work…incisive theatrical technique, fine ensemble performance and Badham’s brilliant direction… a daring (2011) finale for the dynamos at MKA”
THE AGE

“a wicked take on political delusion… get booking”
THEATRENOTES 

“the kind of mindf*ck that leaves you wobbly and wanting more”
AUSSIETHEATRE.COM.AU/SOMETIMESMELBOURNE

“the actors run a tour de force.. the skill of Manderson-Galvin and Badham create a thrilling spectacle.”
IL GLOBO

“Zoe Dawson does a terrific job, inhabiting the increasingly delusional Berrick/Breivik with presence and complexity…this ensemble piece is an elegant example of powerful story making…There is terrific talent at work here…uncompromising and original…a powerful, astute piece of theatre.”
ARTSHUB.COM.AU FOUR STARS

“more interesting political theatre than anything I’ve seen in Australia in a very long time….one of the most exciting theatre works I have seen this year. The writing, joyous and rich, has been put on stage with great dramaturgical and directorial intelligence.”‎
GUERILLA SEMIOTICS

“these guys are on the money…a highly engaging, energetic piece.”
THEATREPEOPLE FOUR STARS

“firmly in the hands of Van Badham: it’s invigorated…the best work yet by Manderson-Galvin..he’s taken a huge risk which has paid off…Good theatre was once defined as work that holds a mirror up to society to reveal its flaws. By that, and any other definition, this is good theatre.”
RABBIT HOLE

“Scintilating writing…A spine tingling climax…Theatre that is bold and unique.”
PROMPTSIDE

“the play is fascinating… script poetic and thoughtful…direction keeps the whole thing moving like a freight train”
KEITH GOW.COM

“the production is driven by the pure genius of the writing. Melbourne playwright Tobias Manderson-Galvin has written an incredible piece of political satire.”
RUSHCROWDS FIVE STARS

AND FROM OUR ONE NIGHT ONLY REMOUNT AT THE MALTHOUSE…

“a jam-packed show which had a really well developed megalomaniac protagonist at its very deep core”
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT 

HOSE by Bridget Mackey

Feb21-Mar03 2012 (Melbourne)

“ funny and engaging…a well-crafted piece of writing…Director Alister Smith has captured the unsettling and mechanical feel of the beauty salon perfectly.”
ARTSHUB FOUR STARS

“Beautifully directed by Alister Smith”
MELBOURNE OBSERVER

“It all came together very well. I couldn’t pick fault with Hose. It gripped, it disturbed, it was a strong and confident piece of writing well matched by strong and confident acting.”
AUSTRALIAN STAGE ONLINE

“Where MKA has gotten these talented young actors from I have no idea, but they’re definitely worth checking out, and Alister Smith’s direction is firmer than an unripe peach.
Go forth and buy tickets.”
CAMERONWOODHEAD

TINKERTOWN by Nathaniel Moncrieff

Feb21-Mar03 2012 (Melbourne)

“FOUR STARS”
ARTSHUB

‘Critics Choice’
TIMEOUT

“The audience ends up laughing as someone dies, uncomfortably bizarre, but that’s the genre. Tinkertown is under the expert direction of MKA Artistic Director Tobias Manderson-Galvin… Outstanding performances from Rebecca Mezei and Steven Kennedy.”
MELBOURNE OBSERVER

‘Steven Kennedy as Chester had a commanding stage presence. Rebecca Mezei as the sullen teenage daughter was an absolute treat to watch. ”
AUSTRALIAN STAGE ONLINE 

‘a Tarantino-like romp, it might be the trashiest show onstage in Melbourne”
CAMERONWOODHEAD

TUESDAY. by Louris van de Geer

Jun06-Jun23 2012 (Melbourne)

“wickedly satirical and entertaining…(van de Geer) Armed with a wry wit and acute powers of social observation… uncompromisingly grim.”
TODADWITHLOVE

“This is the most exciting piece of theatre I’ve seen this year.”
AUSSIETHEATRE.COM

“Louris van de Geer has a keen eye.. a natural and engaging writing style that illuminates her characters’ interior worlds set against against an increasingly sinister external one.”
THE AGE

“The detail in the writing is superb.The story is cleverly played, the acting is convincing and strong. Tuesday is a fine piece.”
ARTSHUB

SEX.VIOLENCE.BLOOD.GORE by Alfian bin Sa’at

Jun27-Jul14 2012 (Melbourne)

“both a nightmare and a wet dream…poetic, hilarious, deeply affecting and decidedly queer…
It’s a terrific play, and compulsory viewing for anyone serious about theatre.”
THE AGE FOUR STARS

“rarely does theatre leave me truly hot. Giddy. Skipping down the street and punching the air. Like I was last night… SVBG is such an important Australian artistic event.”
MING-ZHU HII

“a seductive production…Catherine Davies is spectacular…Whitney Boyd is hilarious…chalk this one up as another win for MKA.”
TIME OUT FOUR STARS + CRITICS CHOICE

“ Go see it.”
ARTSHUB FOUR STARS

‎”Stephen Nicolazzo directs a compelling production…The performances are outstanding.”
THEATENOTES

“a brilliant production… brilliant performances…”
AUSTRALIAN STAGE ONLINE

‎”an engaging, absorbing, often highly amusing work beautifully presented by gifted, articulate, eloquent actors playing with restraint and irony. …Go MKA!”
STAGE WHISPERS

TRIANGLE by Glyn Roberts

Jul23-Aug04 2012 (Melbourne)

“innovative yet grounded production from the fascinating pen of writer Glyn Roberts.”
STAGE WHISPERS

“I love the theatre like this exists.”
AUSSIETHEATRE

“MKA round out strongest season yet with surprisingly sophisticated supernatural innercity cri de coeur.”
ANDREW FUHRMANN (TIMEOUT)

“Triangle is fucking stunning work. Spare/smart/funny/brutal. If I were you I’d book now, it will sell out, guaranteed.”
DECLAN GREENE, PLAYWRIGHT

“Go check out Triangle at MKA, heaps of fun”
PATRICK MCCARTHY, MUTATION THEATRE

“Almost every element in Tanya Dickson’s production is cleverly realised: the statuesque use of space, the expressionist shadowplay of Rob Sowinski’s lighting, and performances that rove from camp drollery to discomforting intensity.”
THE AGE

The Economist by Tobias Manderson-Galvin

Jul20-Jul21 2012 (Melbourne)

“A brilliantly acted, supremely directed and deeply disturbing piece.”

THE NORTH&WEST MELBOURNE NEWS

The Economist by Tobias Manderson-Galvin

Aug02-Aug27 2012 (Edinburgh)

“Respectful and thought provoking. A must see show”

THE STAGE CRITICS CHOICE + MUST SEE

“Raw, passionate and daring.”

THE TIMES

FIVE STARS “Exceptional theatre… Left me shaking.”

THREE WEEKS

FIVE STARS ”Not to be missed.”

THE SKINNY

FIVE STARS ”Accomplished script… Faultless ensemble.”

A YOUNGER THEATRE

FIVE STARS ”Raw agit-prop theatre at it’s most daring.”

PUBLIC REVIEWS

FOUR STARS ”Uncompromising theatre.”

BROADWAY BABY

FOUR STARS ”Hauntingly beautiful.”

FRINGE BISCUIT

FOUR STARS“A stunning and imaginative script.”

FRINGE GURU

The Unspoken Word is ‘Joe’ by Zoey Dawson

Oct04-Oct14 2012 (Melbourne)

“Zoey Dawson doesn’t break the rule so much as bludgeon it to death and take liberties with the corpse”
THE AGE / CAMERON WOODHEAD FOUR STARS

“Hot. Sad. Tender. Clever. Emotional. That’s how the playwright describes it.”
TIMEOUT FOUR STARS / CRITICS CHOICE

“The Unpoken Word is Joe is just the cat’s pyjama… I look forward to seeing that last sentence fragment, out of context,”
ARTSHUB FOUR & A HALF STARS

“ the best piece of theatre I have seen in years...go and see this play, don’t miss it…This most marvellous piece of theatre epitomises everything I love about the form.. instantly classic.”
THEATREPEOPLE FIVE STARS

“clever, witty… unique…refreshingly honest…very,very clever… hilarious…writing is funny, poignant, reflective…hones in so precisely and poetically on emotion…  exceptional performances…moved, truly moved… Nikki Shiels never missed a beat…Not to be missed this Fringe.”
AUSTRALIAN STAGE ONLINE

“raw, clever, deceptive, meta and keeps you constantly guessing.”
THEMUSIC.COM.AU

The Economist by Tobias Manderson-Galvin

Feb13-Feb18 2013 Brisbane Powerhouse, World Theatre Festival

“New theatre at its most exciting: uncompromising, fearless and unrelentingly, disturbingly human.”
THEMUSIC.COM.AU

“unsettling in the best possible way”
CRITICAL MASS

“MKA is creating theatre to change the course of theatre. It’s disturbing on a level that goes far beyond any traditional thriller, leaving us cold, and wondering about the future of the human race.”
XS ENTERTAINMENT

UnSex Me by Mark Wilson

March 2013 MKA Pop-Up Producers Garden, Adelaide Fringe Festival

“Not Entertaining.” 1 STAR
TONY BUSCH – ADELAIDE THEATRE GUIDE

“7pm” 2 STARS
ADELAIDE ADVERTISER

22 Short Plays by David Finnigan

March 2013 MKA Pop-Up Producers Garden, Adelaide Fringe Festival

“the punch line is the first victim…  unstinting in their commitment to the silliness”
B. BROOKER – MARGINALIA

“keenly observant, sometimes hilarious, sometimes bizarre, sometimes enigmatic: certainly entertaining.”

ADELAIDE THEATRE GUIDE

“Lots of energy and engagement with wonderful surreal moments”
ADELAIDE ADVERTISER

“MKA certainly hit the mark with this presentation”
HECKLER

 

SOMA by Tobias Manderson-Galvin

March 2013 MKA Pop-Up Producers Garden, Adelaide Fringe Festival

“mass audience ejections and more WTFs-per-minute than I previously thought possible. Loved it.”
FESTIVAL FREAK

“a radical reinterpretation…
violently pushing against theatrical boundaries…
an almost vicious refusal to permit its audience to become bored.”
B. BROOKER – MARGINALIA

“perceptive social commentary”
E. SHAW – ADELAIDE ADVERTISER

“Not your average night out at the theatre: completely present in the immediacy of its delivery and what he gives of himself. MKA!”
RIP IT UP

 

GROUP SHOW

BY BRIDGET MACKEY, MAXINE MELLOR, NAKKIAH LUI, CHLOE MARTIN & LEILA RODGERS
March 2013 SpeakEasy, S1, Northcote Town Hall

“like an early David Lynch film… Nakkiah Lui’s is outrageously funny;Maxine Mellor’s is like a more sentimental Lynch on steroids.”
THE AGE

“MKA do it again! The best direction of a short-play season that i’ve seen… See it and discover that short plays can be wonderful.”
AUSSIETHEATRE/SOMETIMES MELBOURNE