The Visitors
11 September – 14 October 2023
In the Drama Theatre
TheatreIt’s January 1788 and a mysterious fleet is amassing in the harbour. Seven clan leaders must make a momentous decision: to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?
Please note on Monday evenings throughout the season, Moogahlin Performing Arts will host a post-show Yarning Circle in the Centre for Creativity. 7.45 - 9pm on Monday 18 September, 2 October and 9 October. Free and no bookings required.
|
Performance Date |
Time |
|
Monday 11 September |
7.30pm |
|
Tuesday 12 September |
7:30pm |
|
Wednesday 13 September |
7:30pm |
|
Thursday 14 September |
7:30pm |
|
Saturday 16 September |
7:30pm |
|
Monday 18 September |
6:30pm |
|
Tuesday 19 September |
6:30pm* |
|
Wednesday 20 September |
1pm, 7:30pm |
|
Thursday 21 September |
7:30pm |
|
Friday 22 September |
7:30pm |
|
Saturday 23 September |
1:30pm, 7:30pm |
|
Monday 25 September |
6:30pm^ |
|
Tuesday 26 September |
6:30pm† ~ |
|
Wednesday 27 September |
1pm, 7:30pm |
|
Thursday 28 September |
7:30pm• |
|
Friday 29 September |
7:30pm |
|
Saturday 30 September |
1:30pm†, 7:30pm |
|
Monday 2 October |
6:30pm |
|
Tuesday 3 October |
6:30pm |
|
Wednesday 4 October |
7:30pm |
|
Thursday 5 October |
7:30pm |
|
Friday 6 October |
7:30pm |
|
Saturday 7 October |
1:30pm, 7:30pm |
|
Monday 9 October |
6:30pm |
|
Tuesday 10 October |
6:30pm |
|
Wednesday 11 October |
7:30pm |
|
Thursday 12 October |
7:30pm |
|
Friday 13 October |
7:30pm |
|
Saturday 14 October |
1:30pm, 7:30pm |
* Performance will be filmed for archival purposes.
^ Night with the Artists, includes Post Show Q&A
~ Audio described performance.
† Captioned performance.
• Auslan Interpreted performance.
Previews:
|
Standard |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$57 |
Friday to Saturday performances (excluding Previews):
|
Standard |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$109 |
Monday to Thursday performances (excluding Previews):
|
Standard |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$104 |
|
Seniors |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$99 |
|
Pensioner |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$78 |
|
Students |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$78 |
|
Under 30 |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$57 |
|
Groups 10+ |
Price |
|
A Reserve |
$94 |
$8.95 booking fee applies per transaction
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times. Children aged 0-23 months at the time of a performance may be seated on a parent’s lap free of charge. All children occupying a seat or aged 2 year/s of age or older must hold a valid ticket.
The authorised agencies for this event are Sydney Opera House and Sydney Theatre Company. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the FAQ below.
Sydney Opera House Insiders pre-sale
9am, Tuesday 8 November 2022
Become a Sydney Opera House Insider to receive exclusive pre-sale access
General Public tickets on-sale
9am, Wednesday 9 November 2022
Content Warnings
Please be aware this production contains infrequent coarse language, themes of racial violence, descriptions of violence, intergenerational trauma, and theatrical haze.
Run time
The performance will run for approximately 75 minutes, with no interval.
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
In English
Wheelchair accessible
Audio loop available
No language barrier
Captioned performances - Tuesday 26 September, 6:30pm & Saturday 30 September, 1:30pm
Captions are text descriptions that display the session's dialogue, identify speakers, and describe other relevant sounds that are otherwise inaccessible to people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Captions will be displayed on a screen or available via your personal device (phone). To be seated in the area with best view of the screens book online using the caption price type, call the Sydney Theatre Company on 02 9250 1777 or email boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au. Alternatively, to access the captions on your personal device (phone), scan the QR Code on the sign displayed at the entry to the venue.
Auslan Interpreted performance - Thursday 28 September, 7:30pm
Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate what the actors are saying or singing into Auslan. A block of seats is reserved for users of this service to ensure a good view of the interpreter and the stage. Book by calling Sydney Theatre Company on 02 9250 1777 or email boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au. .
Audio Described performance - Tuesday 26 September, 6:30pm
An audio description service to enhance the experience of customers who are blind or have low vision is offered for selected performances at the Sydney Opera House. This is a live commentary of the visual elements of a performance, by trained audio describers. Audio description is relayed via a free headset and receiver linked to the FM radio system. For select Audio described performances tactile tours will be available. Tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or have low vision to have a hands-on experience. Patrons are given access to costumes, props and stage set in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. Tactile tours occur before the performance. To book the service and confirm if your chosen performance has a tactile tour available, call Sydney Theatre Company on 02 9250 1777 or email boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au.
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
Visitors leave. Right?
On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. The attendees, six of them Elders and one a new initiate, catch-up, laugh together, share a meal, and compare notes. But beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made.
A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?
After its Sydney Theatre Award-winning premiere at the 2020 Sydney Festival, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s The Visitors will be reworked for this brand-new production directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch. An incredible cast featuring Tiwi and Arrernte actor Joseph Wunujaka Althouse; Wiradjuri actor Luke Carroll; Yankunytjatjara, Warrigmal and South Sea Islander actor Elaine Crombie; Noongar, Budmiya and Watjari actor Kyle Morrison, Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay actor Beau Dean Riley Smith; Biripi actor Guy Simon, and Gumbaynggirr and Wiradjuri actor Dalara Williams, will bring to life this hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.
Part of Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary program and co-produced by STC and Moogahlin Performing Arts, The Visitors is a riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history.
Yarning Circle
On Monday evenings throughout the season, Moogahlin Performing Arts will host a post-show Yarning Circle in the Centre for Creativity from 7.45 - 9pm. Free and no bookings required.
Hosted by queer Goorie writer and community worker Brooke Scobie and joined by guest artists, the Yarning Circle is an informal space for audiences to reflect and connect with each other on the themes of colonisation, multigenerational trauma, language revitalisation, and the debate over our Country’s identity that The Visitors raises.
Presented by Sydney Theatre Company and Moogahlin Performing Arts
Watch the teaser
Image gallery
Proudly funded by
This production is proudly supported through the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts program and by the NSW Government through the Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Artist Information
Writer
Jane Harrison
Director
Wesley Enoch
Designer
Elizabeth Gadsby
Lighting Designer
Karen Norris
Composer & Sound Designer
Brendon Boney
Associate Director
Liza-Mare Syron
Cultural Liaison
Aunty Yvonne Simms
Associate Designer
Shana O’Brien
With
Joseph Wunujaka Althouse
Luke Carroll
Elaine Crombie
Kyle Morrison
Beau Dean Riley Smith
Guy Simon
Dalara Williams
Other information
Venue information
Our foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars. Please remember to maintain physical distancing whilst consuming drinks in our foyers.
All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer consistent with COVID-safe rules.
Getting here
The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see their website for details.
Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six min walk to the Opera House.
Covid-safe information
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We encourage you to wear a mask in indoor settings or when physical distancing can’t be maintained, and please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Box Office team on 02 9250 7777.
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. The Sydney Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government. For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you when visiting, please see our plan your visit page.
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
As you move around the Opera House, practise physical distancing (1.5 metres whenever possible) and follow the guidance provided by our staff and signage.
Within venues, always take your allocated seat.
For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you, please see our plan your visit page.
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
Contact information is required when making a booking with us and upon arrival at the Opera House, as set out in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events and our Customer Privacy Statement.
As the ticket purchaser, you are responsible for recording the contact details of your guests. Contact information will only be used for the purposes of contact tracing, if required, and will be deleted at least 28 days after your event.
Frequently asked questions
Ticket purchases and collection at our Box Office is discouraged and eTicket or postal delivery methods should be used, wherever possible. However, if you are collecting your tickets from the Box Office, we recommend doing this at least 60 minutes before the event starts. If you have already received your tickets, the venue doors will be open 45 minutes pre-show for Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 30 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Please take your seats as soon as you arrive.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as we can and, where possible, in your allocated seat. However, to reduce movement in the venue as well as minimise disruption to the performance and other patrons, ticketholders may be seated in an allocated latecomer’s seat. Please be aware that some events have lock-out periods. In these cases, latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance. On occasions, this may not be until the interval, or at all where there is no interval.
Details of our right to refuse admission can be found in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Events.
In accordance with our venue security procedures, Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags under the Monumental Stairs, prior to entering the building. Bags will be scanned by an x-ray machine, and staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling your belongings, such as gloves. Cloaking facilities will be open 60 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 60 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. However it is strongly encouraged that you travel lightly to minimise contact and queuing. Any bags larger than an A4 piece of paper will need to be checked into the Cloak Room.
The authorised agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House.
Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency such as Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, Ticketbis, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or any other unauthorised seller, you risk that these tickets are fake, void or have previously been cancelled. RESALE RESTRICTION APPLIES. For more details, please refer to our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events.
Please contact Box Office on 9250 7777 as soon as possible to advise if you can no longer attend. If you can no longer attend because you are unwell, or have been in contact with someone displaying COVID-19 symptoms, the Opera House has introduced flexible ticketing options to help you.
Foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars.
The venue doors will be open 45 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 30 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances.
Please bring a credit or debit card for any on site purchases to enable contactless payment. You’re welcome to bring your own water bottle but no other food and drinks are permitted inside our venues. Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen and Portside are also available for you to enjoy.
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Sydney Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House will become a smoke-free site from Saturday 1 January 2022.
By becoming a smoke-free site, the Opera House seeks to reduce exposure to harmful second-hand smoke, as well as minimise the impact of smoking on the environment, including litter and pollution of the surrounding marine environment.
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