Theatre program unveiled

THE smash hit, riotously funny satire, Trophy Boys, opens Country Arts SA’s 2026 season at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, off the back of a sold-out national tour.

Presented in conjunction with State Theatre Company of South Australia, the show unfolds in real time as an all-boys debating team are locked in their classroom to prepare to argue that ‘feminism has failed women’.

Performed by a female and non-binary cast in drag, this acclaimed new Australian work is a sharp exploration of power and privilege from high school to the highest circles of political influence.

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre manager Frank Morello was excited to be starting the season with such a powerful production.

“It’s garnered rave reviews and is considered profoundly hilarious tour de force satirical genius,” he said.

And Trophy Boys is just the start of a diverse and entertaining 2026 program.

“We had a busy 2025 and next year is shaping up to be another equally jam-packed season filled with humour, soulful music, poignant stories of courage and hope and a splash of dazzling whimsy for our younger audiences,” Mr Morello said.

“We invite everyone to carve out time in their busy schedules and share a moment with us, sitting in the dark, absorbed and moved by the inspiring art of storytelling.”

And storytelling is at the core of the child-friendly Whalebone.

“A magical story about preserving and passing on precious memories to future generations,” Mr Morello said. “The production has dazzling visuals, magic, circus, as well as strange and whacky contraptions and intentions.

“The plot centres around a solitary worker in the ‘depository’, who races against to save human memories, stories and emotions at risk of being destroyed by a rogue AI.

“At its heart, it asks us to ponder the role of technology in our lives and think about what really defines us as human. It’s a timely tale during an inexplicable moment of AI revolution.”

Another highlight on the 2026 program is the autobiographical solo show Lose to Win, an incredible migration story which follows Mandela Mathia’s extraordinary journey from fleeing his war-torn home in South Sudan to Egypt and finally to the Australian stage.

A joyful, poignant solo show, straight from the man who lived it, Lose to Win, is an intimate, generous and inspiring night of storytelling, and a celebration of community, resilience and the power of imagination.

Country Arts SA’s newest contemporary music program Soundworks debuts with Stories in Song from First Nations artist Nathan May, acclaimed violinist Julian Ferraretto, with support from First Nations artist Katie Aspel.

“Mount Gambier has a strong music culture and we’re keen to grow this program and tour some amazing musicians to our region,” Mr Morello said.

Singer-songwriter May draws on country and folk influences to share songs that reflect on family, connection to Country and truth-telling, alongside Ferraretto and opening artist Aspel, whose soulful voice will set the tone for an evening of heartfelt music in an intimate cabaret setting.

Nunga Screen, the free annual film program screening between NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week returns in 2026, marking its 15th year.

From stage to screen to visual arts, Adelaide based artist Dan Withey’s exhibition Finite Bounty dismantles hierarchical boundaries between human, animal, plant, landscape and inanimate object.

Withey’s works explode on the canvas in his signature illustrative, playful and imaginative style and you can also catch Finite Bounty at the Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery from May to July.

Country Arts SA’s 2026 season also includes the multi-year landmark project Kumarangk, which will explore the true story of the Ngarrindjeri women who resisted the construction of the Hindmarsh Island bridge in Goolwa, through a visual arts exhibition at the Adelaide Festival, a documentary film to premiere in the Adelaide Film Festival and an on-Country theatre performance in 2027.

“It’s insightful, relevant and explores a part of our history from a different perspective,” Mr Morello said.

Country Arts SA chief executive Anthony Peluso said they were proud to present their 2026 season, which foregrounds women, non-binary, First Nations and diverse voices across new work, reflecting who’s writing Australian stories now.

“We are pleased to tour this program of new works to regional communities so all South Australians can be a part of the conversations art creates,” Mr Peluso said.

“Along with our touring and visual arts programs, we continue to support arts and culture across the state through our grants programs for artists and community groups.”

Outside of the Country Arts SA program, the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre will feature performances from Ahn Do, Kevin Bloody Wilson, Cosentino, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, a raft of quality tribute shows and another stunning production from local genius choreographer Lewis Major.

For more information about CASA’s 2026 program, visit www.countryarts.org.au and head to https://www.countryarts.org.au/venues/sir-robert-helpmann-theatre/ for more information on other shows set for the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre stage in 2026.

2026 COUNTRY ARTS SA SEASON

MARCH 10 & 11 – TROPHY BOYS

MAY 14 – LOSE TO WIN

SEPTEMBER 8 – WHALEBONE