The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) proudly presents its 2025 Winter Season, running 5 – 14 June. Directed by leading creatives and performed and crewed by NIDA students, this powerful line-up explores how power is wielded, withheld, and resisted—across science, society, politics, and imagination.
From a forgotten scientist who unlocked the secret of life, to a society quietly slipping into tyranny, a suburban bookshop rocked by echoes of global terror, and a brilliant filmmaker unravelling under pressure – NIDA’s 2025 Winter Season is a thrilling blend of political drama, psychological suspense, and theatrical flair.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said:
“NIDA’s productions provide a unique opportunity for students to collaborate with each other across disciplines and experience what it’s like working in the industry. This season will showcase the exceptional talent and versatility of the NIDA student cohort and give audiences a first look at the next generation of leading creatives.
NIDA is immensely grateful to the passionate and generous directors who steer these productions and to our season sponsor the Estate of Nick Enright AM.”
NIDA’s Artistic Director in Residence David Berthold said:
“These four works speak to the pressures of power. Whether in science, politics, or art. They are fiercely contemporary, intellectually adventurous, and artistically ambitious. Our students aren’t just training to enter the industry – they’re helping redefine it. These productions are their calling cards to the world.”
Among the highlights of the season is Nine, a Tony Award-winning musical directed by Dean Dreiberg, the director of the Australian tour of the smash hit Hamilton. Inspired by Federico Fellini’s film 8½, Nine brings the glitz, glamour, and chaos of 1960s Italy to the stage, blending musical brilliance with an emotional deep-dive into the creative process.
Director Dean Drieberg said:
“Directing NINE has been a meta journey into the creative process – a reflection on what it means to be an artist. It’s an exploration on the beautifully chaotic lives we lead and the impact our immersion has on those around us. An interesting provocation for a group of artists who are about to embark upon a formative chapter in their careers.”
The season’s repertoire also includes plays that address compelling contemporary issues. Joel Tan’s No Particular Order directed by Nigel Turner-Carroll offers a stirring exploration of life under an unnamed oppressive regime, while Vanessa Bates’ Checklist or an Armed Robber directed by Melbourne Theatre Company’s Resident Director Tasnim Hossain juxtaposes the 2002 Chechen hostage crisis with a small-town robbery gone wrong.
Anna Ziegler’s acclaimed production Photograph 51, which premiered in London’s West End to rave reviews, provides a poignant account of the untold struggles and achievements of scientist Rosalind Franklin behind one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century, directed by David Berthold (Brisbane Festival, La Boite, Griffin).
This season’s works share a common thread, exploring themes of empowerment, overlooked voices finally being heard, and how societies respond to abuses of power.
These relevant narratives promise to engage, challenge, and resonate with audiences ofall backgrounds.
The Winter Season performances will take place at NIDA’s state-of-the-art theatres on its Kensington campus and run from 5 – 14 June 2025.
Don’t miss the future stars of stage and screen! Tickets are on sale now at the NIDA website.
Tickets and more info: https://www.nida.edu.au/news-and-events/student-productions/
Website: https://www.nida.edu.au/
