Union House Theatre

Union House Theatre is the hub for extracurricular student theatre and performance at the University of Melbourne. We program plays, workshops and events giving students a taste of professional practice. We have five staff members and manage two theatres – one is also a cinema – in Union House. We provide support to student playwrights, directors, performers and technicians.

Union House Theatre's Productions

  1. between here and when i tell you (2020)

    Union House Theatre

    Other (2020)

    Presented by Union House Theatre and the Dirty Laundry Collective Facilitated by Xanthe Beesley in collaboration with Zoe Scoglio. A program of online performa...

  2. The Lonely Crowd (2019)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2019)

    Is it lonely in here? Or is that just me....  A group of strangers gather to ask more questions than they can possibly answer about what it feels like to be alon...

  3. Insurgency (2005)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2005)

  4. The Fury

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2012)

    The Fury has been made through a collaborative process, which means it is in every way the creation of all the people involved. Last year, with a group of interested...

  5. Ida

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2018)

    IDA is a musical about the first female students at Melbourne University. This is about creating space, taking space and singing about it. #smashingtheglassceiling...

  6. Playreading Mini- Fest

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2018)

    UHT Writer-in-Residence, Mari Lourey, playwright, dramaturg and theatre-maker, has been working closely with students to develop their work over Semester 1. Now, ...

  7. things we should talk about (2018)

    Union House Theatre

    Dance (2018)

    There are things we should talk about. Like, really talk about. Part dance-theatre, part social commentary, part attempt to squeeze 15 bodies onto one very small st...

  8. Comedy on Campus

    Union House Theatre

    Comedy (2017)

    Comedy on Campus Presented by Union House Theatre   We have an epic program lined up with the best of student comedy, alumni comedy, masterclasses, scr...

  9. Mirror’s Edge

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2017)

    Sea Lake is dying — a tiny drought-stricken town in the heart of the Mallee. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a busload of Chinese tourists turn up to take photos on the ...

  10. Macbeth + macdeath : a coda (2016)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2016)

    Macbeth + macdeath: a coda Directed by Petra Kalive By William Shakespeare and Jean Tong A dark prophecy triggers the rise and fall of an ambitious couple ...

  11. Megaphone Democracy

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2016)

    How do you show you care? Megaphone Democracy is a theatrical exploration of action, apathy, cynicism and ‘clicktivism’. Through extensive interviews w...

  12. 1938 : An Opera

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2012)

    Focusing on nationalism and racism, this opera is set amongst the 1938 Australia Day celebrations at the height of the White Australia Policy, when the first Aborigi...

  13. Echo

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2015)

    Echo is an adaptation of the Echo and Narcissus myth. Investigating the modern narcissist, it is a multidisciplinary work exploding contemporary culture into the int...

  14. Don’t Bring Lulu

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2014)

  15. The Tempest

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2013)

    Director’s Note: Welcome to this production of The Tempest at Union House. It has been a wonderful, slightly nostalgic project for me having graduated 21 years ago...

  16. Third Person

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2013)

    A world premiere production by one of Australia's leading playwrights, Third Person takes place in the ruins of Berlin not long after the fall of Hitler's Third Rei...

  17. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2004)

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2004)

  18. The Dutch Courtesan (2004)

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2004)

  19. Chase Scene

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2003)

  20. In Cahoots (2005)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2005)

  21. Dreams Drowning

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2002)

  22. No Place Like

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2011)

    Current MU student, Chris Summers, has written a fierce and blackly riotous riff on the idea of ‘home’. He takes us from present day Melbourne, where a tragedy u...

  23. 24 Hour Film Generator

    Union House Theatre

    Other

    5 brand new films written, rehearsed, shot, edited and shown in the space of 24 hours? It can’t be done! Or can it? If you’re not in it, come to the show and won...

  24. Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2010)

    Expect the unexpected in this riotous and gleeful version of Sondheim’s all-singing, all-slashing musical classic. With a brilliant cast drawn from the Conservator...

  25. Finished and Unfinished: Playreadings

    Union House Theatre

    Other (2009)

    Ever wondered what strange thoughts are surging around in the brains of the other students in your lectures? This is how you find out.Over three nights a series of p...

  26. Into the Unknown

    Union House Theatre Mudfest

    Play (2009)

    Devised by cast and Director Tom Gutteridge and writer Ian Wilding, into The Unknown is a series of vignettes around public transport, disapearence and ‘the unknow...

  27. Rhinoceros – 21/05/2009

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2009)

    A play about people turning into Rhinoceroses. Absurd comedy/drama. this production set in a shopping mall

  28. The Zombie State – 17/09/2008

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2008)

    Co-production with The Melbourne Worker's Theatre. A play about the effect of the Liberal Government's Workchoices reforms. Written for the MWT by Ben Ellis.

  29. Attempts On Her Life (2008)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2008)

    Subtitled ’17 scenarios for theatre’ this piece is bold in not allocating lines to any specific character. Central narrative about a character who may, or may no...

  30. Live Clips

    Union House Theatre Mudfest

    Dance (2007)

    Part of Mudfest10. Melbourne University students donated compositions. 3 professional choreographers created pieces set to music danced by Melbourne uni and VCA stud...

  31. The Fire Raisers (2007)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2007)

    Based on a radio drama by Max Frisch. A bleak study of accommodating the thing that will destroy you.

  32. Rageboy (2006)

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2006)

    Rageboy was commissioned by Union House Theatre. A black comedy seen through the eyes of young Toby Milk.

  33. Working (2006)

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2006)

    Based on Stud’s Terkel’s book of interviews with America’s workers.

  34. The Uni_Lateral Experiment (2005)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2005)

    A site-specific work in secret locations across the University. A micro opera, a mock trial, a genetic experiment, an examination in progress.

  35. The Sea (2002)

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (2002)

    A play concerning xenophobia. Set in East Coast England in 1907. this production set in Australia.

  36. Pirate Eyes

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2001)

    Lally Katz was commissioned to write Pirate Eyes for Union House Theatre

  37. Cymbeline

    Union House Theatre

    Play (2000)

    A spiky fairytale

  38. Quarterhour Stories – 21/10/1999

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1999)

    Six stories by six new and exciting Melbourne writers. Writer in Residence: Pam Leversha

  39. A History of Heaven

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1999)

    An eclectic exploration of new technology, intriguing concepts and a “new generation of seekers and doubters”.

  40. Anachronisticity

    Union House Theatre

    Dance (1998)

    7 short theatre/dance works. Cinematic Theatre: (des. Greg Paynter) Hooks: (dir. Mia Rappel + Jessie Huon) Trinity: (dir. Julia West) Loaded: (dir/choreo...

  41. Cooking with Gas

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1998)

  42. Caligula (1998)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1988)

  43. Historia

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1998)

    Exploring sexuality and ethnicity using spoken words, movement, light, sound and projection.

  44. Blackrock (1997)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1997)

    ‘…a riveting story that takes us to the heart of teenage sexuality.’ Time Magazine (poster)

  45. New Briefs 4 (Secret Men’s Business)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1997)

    Co-produced by Monash University, La Trobe and RMIT.

  46. Momentomoment

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1997)

  47. Because You Are Mine (1996)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1996)

    A play about the civil war that ravaged the former Yugoslavia.

  48. By Physical Means

    Union House Theatre

    Dance (1996)

    Performed at Dancehouse

  49. New Briefs 3 (Fear of Flying)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1996)

    Co-produced by Monash University, La Trobe University and RMIT.

  50. This Romeo and Juliet (1996)

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1996)

    Shakespeare's classic tale of star crossed lovers is reworked with two men "whose families and society oppose their union".

  51. New Briefs 2 (Scenes of Harasment)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1995)

    Co- produced by Monash University, Latrobe Univeristy and RMIT.

  52. The Princess Ida Parlour

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1994)

    The first women at Melb. Uni and their struggle for a room to call their own. A pop musical. Proceeds of benefit performance to Vic. Women’s trust: Ewa Czajor Memorial Award

  53. New Briefs (Passing)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1994)

  54. Anatomy 1

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1993)

    Musical theatre which explores psychosis in a humourous and compassionate way. Special benefit performance on October 10th with all proceeds going to the Schizophre...

  55. Annus Horribilus

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1993)

  56. Zero Sum – 06/08/1992

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1992)

    In 1974 the Portugese withdrew from East Timor after 400 years of occupation. In December 1975, Indonesia launched a full scale invasion of East Timor. This forced t...

  57. Hard Feelings

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1989)

    A group of young graduates share a nicely renovated terrace house in Brixton, London…while the local black population riots in the street…the others proceed to p...

  58. Atlanta

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1988)

    Using abstract form and original music, Atlanta is a play about the way we live today. Commissioned by the theatre department from Joanna Murray-Smith. The funding a...

  59. Miracle of 3 Urns

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1988)

  60. Late Arrivals

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1987)

    Theatre Board funding application for 1988 Theatre Department show “The Intruder” notes that “Late Arrvials” was the first Department show produced specifica...

  61. Ghost Trains (1984)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1984)

    Set in the shabby seductiveness of Luna Park and details the lives of three characters who use sinister amusements of the fairground to play out their games of life.

  62. Marriage

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1982)

  63. Merchant of Venice (1980)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1980)

    On in the Union: Sep 23 – 27 Then moved to the Guild: Sep 30 – Oct 4

  64. Chicago, Chicago (1977)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1977)

    Chicago Chicago! is the third play in a season of Australian plays being produced by the Union Theatre Department. The effect of a mass producing industry manoevring...

  65. Dimboola

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1977)

  66. Geography of a Horse Dreamer

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1976)

    Cody had the genius, someone else always had the power. A mystery in two acts.

  67. Chicago, Chicago (1976)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1976)

  68. Le Grand Mal

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1976)

  69. Caligula (1976)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1976)

  70. Calm Down Mother, Flapland and Orpheus

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1975)

  71. Fuente Ovejuna

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1974)

    Known throughout Europe as the world’s 1st proletarian play (written in 1612). Fuenteovejuna is the name of the village that actually united to depose an unj...

  72. Maydaze Arts Festival

    Union House Theatre

    Other (1974)

    Plays include: -“Chocka” (David O’Brien) Dir: John Smyth [Actor’s Forum Production] -“Winners” & “Thumbscrew Circus” MTC *”The Player’s Carav...

  73. Aeffluence: A musical cosmorama

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1974)

    Aeffluence is a reworking of a rock musical performed in August 1972 from which a limited number of LP’s were released. The script was redeveloped by “youn...

  74. Hugh (The Seven Stages of Hugh Man)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1973)

  75. Captain Midnight (1972)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1972)

    Central issue was the treatment of status of Aboriginals in White Australia. This show never failed to utterly absorb its audience. Production toured regional Victoria.

  76. Chronicles of Hell

    Union House Theatre

    Play

    The awsomest fright in living memory, and interesting to say the least. Lunchtime production.

  77. Crow (1972)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1972)

    Crow is a man trapped by female sensuality. He has murdered his wife, finds he has lost his sense of identity, and becomes trapped in himself. His minds workings are...

  78. Mobile Fun Theatre Summer 1972

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1972)

    Co produced by MUST and Kaleidoscope theatre. 40 days of Childrens Play: The Magnetic Martian Potato Adult Play: Alfred the Incredible Sheepboy Bench Theatre Par...

  79. Alfred the Incredible Sheepboy

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1972)

    Review Excerpts: "Farce & melodrama linking sing-a-longs of 50’s & 60’s hits -no more profound than ‘Dad & Dave’ -great fun"- Gerald Mayhead,...

  80. Melbourne University Revue (1972)

    Union House Theatre

    Revue (1972)

    The Williamson-Finney team after the astounding success of ‘Polyunsaturated Love Story’, the 1971 Revue have again been commissioned by M.U.S.T for the 1972 Revu...

  81. Australian Season of Drama

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1972)

    A season of eight productions of Australian theatre presented by the various theatre groups of Melbourne University. 1. 'THE CHAPEL PERILOUS' by Dorothy Hewett, ...

  82. Musterbation

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1971)

    Lunchtime entertainment – ‘Nothing like Being’ -Claude van Itallie, Directors: Hugh White & Rebecca Albeck ‘The Education of Skinny Spew’ -Howard Brent...

  83. Allergy

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1971)

    Presented at lunchtime each day

  84. 200 Years

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1971)

    Original music by Steve Wallace. Other music by Edward Elgar and Elmer Bernstein. Music arranged and conducted by Esmond Pitt. ‘200 Years’ is the first play o...

  85. A Journey of Discovery by the Eloquent Body

    Union House Theatre

    Dance (1971)

  86. Left Handed Liberty

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1967)

    ‘If this play has any direct message … if we want liberty we have to make quite sure that: (a) We know what sort of liberty we are fighting for; (b) Our methods ...

  87. A Fine Line and the Occasional Raspberry

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1967)

    Short plays by Bellow, Beckett, Ionesco and Pinter

  88. A Singular Man

    Union House Theatre

    Musical (1966)

  89. Hamlet (1966)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1966)

    Performed in a large tent erected near the Beaurepaire Pool.

  90. Love

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1966)

  91. Caretaker

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1965)

    Caretaker – David Kendall Brother – John Wregg Mick – Graeme Blundell

  92. Candida (1952)

    Union House Theatre

    Play (1952)

    Performed as part of the NUAUS Drama Festival.