Director — Bali Padda

Champions

Presented by Little Goat Arts & Entertainment and Old Fitz Theatre
Written by: Isabella McDermott

What does it really take to “MAKE IT”?

Four upcoming artists are suddenly thrust into the limelight upon their nomination for the prestigious Archer Award. They each have half a year to create an exhibition worthy to take out the top spot. It’s. THE. big. break. Yet, when one finalist rejects a proposal to split the $50,000 prize, suddenly nothing is off limits.

CHAMPIONS is a depiction of the art world that thrives on ambition and greed, asking “what does it take to survive in the art world?”.

After a critically acclaimed (and extended!) season at the Basement Theatre in Auckland / Tamaki Makaurau, CHAMPIONS by Isabella McDermott makes its Australian debut at the Old Fitz’s New Works Festival 2024.

“There is excellent acting from the group, who all see this contest as a cornerstone to their future careers... Director Padda emerges from this fine first play in excellent health. ”

— Stage Whispers

“A contemplative work, Champions is directed by Bali Padda who brings commendable sensitivity to a play brimming with engaging nuance.”

— Suzy Goes See

Guards at the Taj

Presented by Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta
Written by: Rajiv Joseph

What happens to a life-long friendship when two ordinary men are ordered to do the unthinkable?

At the grand opening of the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful building in the world, the Emperor decrees that nothing more beautiful shall ever be built again. To ensure this, he orders two imperial guards to perform a horrendous task. The guards are best friends. Humayun is a loyal civil servant with complete trust in the authorities, while Babur is a dreamer, and deeply distressed by the order that has been bestowed upon them. He plans a revenge that will put these two best friends at odds.

Featuring a heartbreakingly funny friendship put to the ultimate test and existential banter reminiscent of Beckett and Stoppard, Guards at the Taj mixes witty black comedy with the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy.

“Imagine the black-humoured banter of Waiting for Godot dressing the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy, and you are near the mark of this deeply disturbing and yet engrossing play... It’s not just that directorial debuts don’t come any stronger than this, few productions of any sort do.”

— ★★★★½ Sydney Morning Herald

“Focusing more on the emotional turmoil Humayun and Babur endure than the historical moment they are contributing to, a combination of powerful acting performances, subtly impactful production elements, and cohesive artistic direction make for a gripping and well-told story.”

— ★★★★ ArtsHub

King James

Presented by Little Ripa Productions & Old Fitz Theatre
Written by: Rajiv Joseph

Two guys walk into a bar... then came LeBron.

Step into the electrifying world of King James by Rajiv Joseph, where the city of Cleveland undergoes a transformative journey under the reign of LeBron James, the charismatic ‘King.' Amidst the promise, prosperity, and renewal brought by the basketball icon, two young men are struggling to establish their identities. Neither is especially adept at putting words to their feelings. But basketball? That’s where they let it all out.

Spanning twelve riveting years, from LeBron's rookie season to an NBA Championship, this Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award-winning playwright crafts King James to deliver an intimate exploration of the profound impact sports have on our relationships and we find ourselves being asked; Can a profound platonic love endure whilst quietly weathering life’s storms?

“Direction by Bali Padda places appropriate emphasis on nuances between characters, always ensuring that the unspoken is conveyed with as much accuracy as the delivery of dialogue, in order that we may be entirely convinced of the depth and longevity, of the bond being portrayed.”

— ★★★★ Suzy Goes See

“Padda’s direction is subtle, yet undeniably instrumental to the interplay of the two characters... Padda’s direction is subtle, yet undeniably instrumental to the interplay of the two characters.”

— CityHub

Presented by Trikone Australia & Bali Padda in association with Sydney WorldPride
Written by: Kunal Mirchandani
Produced and Developed by: Bali Padda, Kunal Mirchandani & Zeenat Parveen

After a sold-out season at the 2017 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, Sunderella is back to dazzle audiences - this time at the ARA Darling Quater Theatre for WorldPride Arts, part of the Sydney WorldPride festival. Set in 18th-century British India, Sunderella features a cast of 17 performers, in splendid costumes and jewels. The story follows Sundar, a pious and sweet-natured young man living with his evil stepmother and two self-centred stepsisters. But as the timeless fairytale goes, Sundar’s fortunes change when a celestial force “stirs the pot”, transforms him into a gorgeous woman called Sunderella and sends her prancing to the prince’s palace. There are dramatic scenes and sweeping dance sequences, comic characters and foot-tapping music. But at the end of the day, Sunderella is a heartrending story of love and acceptance.

Sunderella

“Comical yet tender, Sunderella contains both ironic humour and innocent romance, blended together for a delightful show catering to kids of all ages. Director Bali Padda imbues a delicious camp sensibility throughout the piece, and along with choreographer Zeenat Parveen, deliver something that shimmers reflexively, both on the surface, and from within its vivacious heart.”

— Suzy Goes See

The Village

Presented by Q Theatre
Written by: Tasnim Hossain

Young Penrith singer-songwriter Taylah is lost. Her family fractured, she is living with her grandmother and desperately trying to find her way. An encounter with her neighbour Jay, and an unlikely bond forged with Jay’s dadi (grandmother) Aparna, might just reveal the path she was looking for.

Originally commissioned in 2019, the development of this new Australian play by acclaimed writer Tasnim Hossain was inspired by Penrith City Council’s Coffee Club in Kingswood, which invites socially isolated residents to enjoy morning tea with their neighbours. Exploring the connections we find in seemingly unlikely places, this beautiful four-hander explores love, loss, the distance between generations and the unlikely relationships formed when we find a way to reach through our differences.