FIRST SUMMER

FIRST
SUMMER

  • 1-22 Aug 27 Downstairs Theatre
  • 90 minutes (no interval)
BUY TICKETS

FIRST
SUMMER

Written and Directed by Wendy Mocke and Michael Andrew Collins

  • Venue Downstairs Theatre
  • Dates 1-22 Aug 27
  • Duration 90 minutes (no interval)

Deep in Queensland’s sun-baked cane fields in 1906, a secret romance takes root. Alani is hiding from the newly passed Pacific Island Labourers Act and its looming mass deportations. When Robert, a labourer who works at night, stumbles upon her, their collision sparks a forbidden love story that pushes them to the brink of sacrificing the only world they know.

Thirty years later, the same soil is worked by two young (white) men embarking on their first grueling cane season, their eyes fixed on a triumphant trip to Melbourne for the layoff. But when one unearths something buried in the dirt, the past bleeds into the present.

By revealing the Pacific Islander history that casts its long shadow over the Australian stage classic Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, ‘First Summer’ forges a (Black) love story in the face of colonial violence, offering an urgent reminder of the buried truths, deep connections, and love that have endured through all this land’s summers.

WHAT IS 25A? 25A is a Belvoir initiative to support the artists of the future. It has been made by independent and emerging artists. They have produced and marketed it themselves. They get 100% of the box office and the theatre for free. Their task is to make a show for less than $2500. Thanks for supporting the artists of the future.

PRICES

  • Full price (adult) $25 – $35
  • Previews $20 – $30

25A Tickets

Tickets to 25A productions are $25 or $35 and Previews are $20 or $30. 100% of the ticket sales goes to the independent artists that made this show, and they split the profits evenly between each other. Tickets are available online and at the door.

BOOK NOW

TEAM

  • Michael Andrew Collins
     Writer & Director
  • Wendy Mocke
     Writer & Director

  • Creatives

  • Jessica Arthur
     Dramaturg
    image description

    Jess Arthur is one of the most prolific main-stage theatre directors. Her productions include The Wolves for Old Fitz and subsequent 2019 Belvoir season. Jess was Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company 2018 – 2022, directing productions Chalkface, The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall, Wonnangatta, Banging Denmark, Mosquitos and Home I’m Darling. Jessica also worked as […]

    Read full bio
  • Zoë Hollyoak
     Producer
    image description

    Zoë is a Director and Creative Producer who has worked across a range of organisations including Performance Space, Performing Lines, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA. She holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Performance Making) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and a Master of […]

    Read full bio