Critical Conversations - Trophy Boys and The Importance of Being Earnest

Description

Get the story behind the story with the State Theatre Company South Australia's Critical Conversations. 

Critical Conversations is a new program that connects artists and audiences to explore the big ideas behind the State Theatre Company South Australia's productions, featuring leading creative, academic, and political voices who delve into the themes of selected plays from the season. These sessions will focus on two of the shows from this year's season.

Join us for a drink and a panel discussion to explore themes of the next State Theatre play.

Trophy Boys

Boys being boys.

It is the biggest night of Melbourne’s academic calendar, the Grand Finale of the Year 12 Interschool Debating Tournament, and the all-boys team from the elite St Imperium College are ready to totally annihilate their sister school — until things take a dark turn…

Performed by a female and non-binary cast in drag, the show unfolds in real time as the boys are locked in a classroom for their one-hour prep window, and forced to argue that “feminism has failed women”.

What starts as a riotously funny satire becomes a deeper examination of insecure adolescent masculinity, entitlement and the ego of Australia’s next generation of politicians and powerbrokers.

The Importance of Being Earnest 

The Importance of Being Earnest is beloved for its wit, satire, and gleeful skewering of Victorian respectability. But beneath the dazzling dialogue lies something more radical: a world built on performance - of identity, class, and desire.

The play follows two young men, Jack and Algernon, who create elaborate alter egos “Ernest” to escape social obligations and pursue love. But when their deceptions unravel, chaos ensues in a world where truth is slippery, and appearances are everything.

How to book

Tickets are just $10 and include a glass of wine.

To access booking links for Critical Conversations, visit the State Theatre Company's website closer to the date of the event.

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include  study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.